Golf ball compositions

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are hard and flexible compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is less than the value that is expected based on the composition&#39;s hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula 
         H ≧11.889 Ln( M )+47,
 
     where H is the hardness of the composition, in JIS-C, and M is the flexural modulus of the composition, in ksi; or a softness/stiffness relationship represented by the formula 
       if  M &lt;110, then  H ≧8.5218 Ln( M )+32.5 if  M ≧110, then  H ≧72.5,
 
     where H is the hardness of the composition, in Shore D, and M is the flexural modulus of the composition, in ksi.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/942,005, filed Nov. 8, 2010, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to thermoplastic compositions that arehard and flexible, and to the use of such compositions in golf balls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For the vast majority of materials, hardness is used synonymously withflexural modulus. Although both hardness and flexural modulus reflecthow a material feels to the touch, hardness measures the resistance toindentation, while flexural modulus measures the resistance to bending.Generally, flexural modulus tends to increase with hardness in apredictable manner, such that the flexural modulus of a material can bepredicted based on the material's hardness.

The present invention provides novel compositions in which the flexuralmodulus is less than the value that is expected based on thecomposition's hardness. Such compositions provide unique properties ofspin and feel to a golf ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golfball comprising at least one layer formed from a polymer blendcomposition having a JIS-C hardness (H) and a flexural modulus in ksi(M) wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+47.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to apolymer blend composition having a JIS-C hardness (H) and a flexuralmodulus in ksi (M) wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+47.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising at least one layer formed from an ionomercomposition having a JIS-C hardness (H) and a flexural modulus in ksi(M) wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+47.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an ionomercomposition having a JIS-C hardness (H) and a flexural modulus in ksi(M) wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+47.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plot of the hardness (in JIS-C, measured according to themethod given in the Examples below) and flex modulus (in ksi, measuredaccording to the method given in the Examples below) of several golfball compositions.

FIG. 2 is a plot of the hardness (in Shore D, measured according to themethod given in the Examples below) and flex modulus (in ksi, measuredaccording to the method given in the Examples below) of several golfball compositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Thermoplastic compositions of the present invention are hard andflexible. For purposes of the present invention, a composition is hardand flexible if the hardness (H) and flex modulus (M, in ksi, measuredaccording to the method given in the Examples below) of the compositionsatisfy one of the following equations:

-   -   (1) when H is JIS-C hardness, measured according to the JIS-C        method given in the Examples below,

H≧11.889 Ln(M)+47

-   -   (2) when H is Shore D hardness, measured according to the Shore        D method given in the Examples below,

if M<110, then H≧8.5218 Ln(M)+32.5 if M≧110, then H≧72.5.

In a particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in JIS-C) and flex modulus(M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation: H≧11.889 Ln(M)+48. Inanother particular embodiment, the composition hardness (H, in JIS-C)and flex modulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation: H≧11.889Ln(M)+49. In another particular embodiment, a plot of the hardness (H,in JIS-C) versus flex modulus (M) of the composition is within theregion above the curve defined by an equation shown in FIG. 1.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation: H≧8.5218 Ln(M)+32.5.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation:

if M<110, then H≧8.5218 Ln(M)+33.5 if M≧110, then H≧72.5.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation: H≧8.5218 Ln(M)+33.5.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation:

if M<97, then H≧8.5218 Ln(M)+33.5 if M≧97, then H≧72.5.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation:

if M<110, then H≧8.5218 Ln(M)+34.5 if M≧110, then H≧72.5.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation: H≧8.5218 Ln(M)+34.5.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation:

if M<85, then H≧8.5218 Ln(M)+34.5 if M≧85, then H≧72.5.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation:

if M<75, then H≧8 Ln(−0.1M ²+22M−9)+13.5 if 75≦M<110, then H≧8.5218Ln(M)+32.5 if M≧110, then H≧72.5.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation:

if M<75, then H≧8 Ln(−0.1M ²+22M−9)+13.5 if M≧75, then H≧8.5218Ln(M)+32.5.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation:

if M<60, then H≧8 Ln(−0.1M ²+22M−9)+13.5 if M≧60, then H≧8.5218Ln(M)+33.5.

In another particular embodiment, the hardness (H, in Shore D) and flexmodulus (M, in ksi) satisfy the following equation:

if M<40, then H≧8 Ln(−0.1M ²+22M−9)+13.5 if M≧40, then H≧8.5218Ln(M)+34.5.

In another particular embodiment, a plot of the hardness (H, in Shore D)versus flex modulus (M) of the composition is within the region abovethe curve defined by an equation or a combination of two or moreequations selected from the equations shown in FIG. 2.

In another particular embodiment, when H refers to JIS-C hardness, thehard and flexible composition has a JIS-C hardness, as measuredaccording to the method given in the Examples below, of 65 or greater,or greater than 65, or 70 or greater, or greater than 70, or 75 orgreater, or greater than 75, or 80 or greater, or greater than 80.

In another particular embodiment, when H refers to Shore D hardness, thehard and flexible composition has a Shore D hardness, as measuredaccording to the method given in the Examples below, of 50 or greater,or greater than 50, or 55 or greater, or greater than 55, or 60 orgreater, or greater than 60, or 65 or greater, or greater than 65.

Thermoplastic compositions of the present invention comprise a basepolymer, and optionally additive(s) and filler(s). The base polymer ispreferably selected from the group consisting of ionomers, non-ionomericpolyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, highlycrystalline polymers, and combinations of two or more thereof.

Suitable ionomers for use in the base polymer include partiallyneutralized ionomers, blends of two or more partially neutralizedionomers, highly neutralized ionomers, blends of two or more highlyneutralized ionomers, and blends of one or more partially neutralizedionomers with one or more highly neutralized ionomers. Preferredionomers are salts of O/X- and O/X/Y-type acid copolymers, wherein O isan α-olefin, X is a C₃-C₈ α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid,and Y is a softening monomer. O is preferably selected from ethylene andpropylene. X is preferably selected from methacrylic acid, acrylic acid,ethacrylic acid, maleic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, and itaconicacid. Methacrylic acid and acrylic acid are particularly preferred. Asused herein, “(meth) acrylic acid” means methacrylic acid and/or acrylicacid Likewise, “(meth) acrylate” means methacrylate and/or acrylate. Yis preferably selected from (meth)acrylate and alkyl(meth)acrylateswherein the alkyl groups have from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, including, butnot limited to, n-butyl(meth)acrylate, isobutyl(meth)acrylate,methyl(meth)acrylate, and ethyl(meth) acrylate. Particularly preferredO/X/Y-type copolymers are ethylene/(meth) acrylic acid/n-butyl acrylate,ethylene/(meth) acrylic acid/methyl acrylate, and ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/ethyl acrylate. The acid is typically present in the acidcopolymer in an amount of 10 wt % or less, or 11 wt % or less, or 15 wt% or greater, or 16 wt % or greater, or in an amount within a rangehaving a lower limit of 1 or 4 or 6 or 8 or 10 or 11 or 12 or 15 wt %and an upper limit of 15 or 16 or 20 or 25 or 30 or 35 or 40 wt %, basedon the total weight of the acid copolymer. The acid copolymer is atleast partially neutralized with a cation source, optionally in thepresence of a high molecular weight organic acid, such as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,436, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference. Suitable cation sourcesinclude, but are not limited to, metal ions and compounds of alkalimetals, alkaline earth metals, and transition metals; metal ions andcompounds of rare earth elements; ammonium salts and monoamine salts;and combinations thereof. Preferred cation sources are metal ions andcompounds of magnesium, sodium, potassium, cesium, calcium, barium,manganese, copper, zinc, tin, lithium, and rare earth metals.

Methods of preparing ionomers are well known, and are disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,264,272, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference. The acid copolymer can be adirect copolymer wherein the polymer is polymerized by adding allmonomers simultaneously, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.4,351,931, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference. Alternatively, the acid copolymer can be a graft copolymerwherein a monomer is grafted onto an existing polymer, as disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0013413, theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Commercially available ionomers that are particularly suitable for usein the base polymer include, but are not limited to, Surlyn® ionomersand DuPont® HPF 1000 and HPF 2000 highly neutralized ionomers,commercially available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; Clarix®ionomers, commercially available from A. Schulman, Inc.; Iotek®ionomers, commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company;Amplify® IO ionomers, commercially available from The Dow ChemicalCompany; and blends of two or more thereof.

Particularly suitable ionomers also include polypropylene ionomers,including grafted polypropylene ionomers. Examples of commerciallyavailable polypropylene ionomers include, but are not limited to,Clarix® 130640 and 230620 acrylic acid-grafted polypropylene ionomers,commercially available from A. Schulman Inc., and Priex® 40101, 42101,45101, and 48101, maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene ionomers,commercially available from Solvay Engineered Polymers, Inc.

Particularly suitable ionomers also include polyester ionomers,including, but not limited to, those disclosed, for example, in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,476,157 and 7,074,465, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

Particularly suitable ionomers also include low molecular weightionomers, such as AClyn® 201, 201A, 295, 295A, 246, 246A, 285, and 285Alow molecular weight ionomers, commercially available from HoneywellInternational Inc.

Particularly suitable ionomers also include ionomer compositionscomprising an ionomer and potassium ions, such as those disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,825,191, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

Additional suitable ionomers for use in the base polymer are disclosed,for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0049367,2005/0148725, 2005/0020741, 2004/0220343, and 2003/0130434, and U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,587,430, 5,691,418, 5,866,658, 6,100,321, 6,562,906,6,653,382, 6,777,472, 6,762,246, 6,815,480, and 6,953,820, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable non-ionomeric polyolefins for use in the base polymer include,but are not limited to, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, rubber-toughenedolefin polymers, acid copolymers, styrenic block copolymers, dynamicallyvulcanized elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetates, ethylene acrylate basedterpolymers, ethylene elastomers, propylene elastomers,ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers (EPDM), functionalized derivatesthereof, and combinations thereof. Also suitable are engineeringthermoplastic vulcanizates, such as those disclosed, for example, inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0132359, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.Commercially available non-ionomeric polyolefins that are particularlysuitable for use in the base polymer include, but are not limited to,Amplify® GR functional polymers and Amplify® TY functional polymers,commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company; Fusabond®functionalized polymers, including ethylene vinyl acetates,polyethylenes, metallocene-catalyzed polyethylenes, ethylene propylenerubbers, and polypropylenes, commercially available from E.I. du Pont deNemours and Company; Exxelor® maleic anhydride grafted polymers,including high density polyethylene, polypropylene, semi-crystallineethylene copolymer, amorphous ethylene copolymer, commercially availablefrom ExxonMobil Chemical Company; ExxonMobil® PP series polypropyleneimpact copolymers, such as PP7032E3, PP7032KN, PP7033E3, PP7684KN,commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company; Vistamaxx®propylene-based elastomers, commercially available from ExxonMobilChemical Company; Vistalon® EPDM rubbers, commercially available fromExxonMobil Chemical Company; Exact® plastomers, commercially availablefrom ExxonMobil Chemical Company; Santoprene® thermoplastic vulcanizedelastomers, commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company;Nucrel® acid copolymers, commercially available from E.I. du Pont deNemours and Company; Escor® acid copolymers, commercially available fromExxonMobil Chemical Company; Primacor® acid copolymers, commerciallyavailable from The Dow Chemical Company; Kraton® styrenic blockcopolymers, commercially available from Kraton Performance PolymersInc.; Septon® styrenic block copolymers, commercially available fromKuraray Co., Ltd.; Lotader® ethylene acrylate based terpolymers,commercially available from Arkema Corporation; Polybond® graftedpolyethylenes and polypropylenes, commercially available from ChemturaCorporation; Royaltuf® chemically modified EPDM, commercially availablefrom Chemtura Corporation; and Vestenamer® polyoctenamer, commerciallyavailable from Evonik Industries.

Particularly suitable acid copolymers include salts of O/X- andO/X/Y-type acid copolymers, wherein O is an α-olefin, X is a C₃-C₈α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and Y is a softeningmonomer. O is preferably selected from ethylene and propylene. X ispreferably selected from methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, ethacrylicacid, maleic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, and itaconic acid. In aparticular embodiment, the base polymer is formed from a very low acidethylene copolymer or terpolymer. In a particular aspect of thisembodiment, the very low acid ethylene copolymer or terpolymer is highlycrystalline. Particularly suitable commercially available examples ofvery low acid ethylene copolymers and terpolymers include, but are notlimited to, Nucrel® AE very low acid ethylene terpolymer, Nucrel® 0411HSvery low acid ethylene copolymer, Nucrel® 0407 very low acid ethylenecopolymer, Nucrel® 0403 very low acid ethylene copolymer, Nucrel® 0609HSvery low acid ethylene copolymer, commercially available from E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company.

Particularly suitable highly crystalline polymers for use in the basepolymer also include, but are not limited to, the highly crystallineionomers and acid copolymers disclosed in and prepared according to theprocess for producing highly crystalline ionomers and acid copolymersdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,580,927 and 6,100,340, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.Particular non-limiting examples of suitable highly crystalline polymersare SEP 699-1 12% acrylic acid/ethylene copolymer neutralized withsodium, SEP 699-2 12% acrylic acid/ethylene copolymer neutralized withlithium, SEP 699-3 12% acrylic acid/ethylene copolymer neutralized withmagnesium, and SEP 699-4 12% acrylic acid/ethylene copolymer neutralizedwith zinc, available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

Particularly suitable ethylene elastomers include, but are not limitedto, ethylene alkyl(meth)acrylate polymers. Particularly suitablecommercially available examples of ethylene alkyl(meth)acrylate polymersinclude, but are not limited to, Vamac® ethylene acrylic elastomers,commercially available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Alsosuitable are the ethylene acrylate acid polymers disclosed, for example,in U.S. Pat. No. 7,598,321, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

In a particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of at least twodifferent polymers. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, at leastone polymer is an ionomer.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast a first and a second ionomer.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast an ionomer and an additional polymer selected from non-ionomericpolyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, and polystyrenes.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast a functionalized polyethylene and a functionalized polymerselected from polyethylenes, including metallocene-catalyzed andnon-metallocene-catalyzed polyethylenes, ethylene vinyl acetates,ethylene-acid random copolymers, ethylene elastomers, andpolypropylenes. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, thefunctionalized polyethylene is a maleic anhydride-grafted polymerselected from ethylene homopolymers, ethylene-hexene copolymers,ethylene-octene copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, andethylene-butene copolymers.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast an ionomer, a functionalized polyethylene and a functionalizedpolymer selected from polyethylenes, including metallocene-catalyzed andnon-metallocene-catalyzed polyethylenes, ethylene vinyl acetates,ethylene-acid random copolymers, ethylene elastomers, andpolypropylenes. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, thefunctionalized polyethylene is a maleic anhydride-grafted polymerselected from ethylene homopolymers, ethylene-hexene copolymers,ethylene-octene copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, andethylene-butene copolymers.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast an ionomer and a maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene. In aparticular aspect of this embodiment, the polyethylene is selected fromethylene homopolymers, ethylene-hexene copolymers, ethylene-octenecopolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, and ethylene-butenecopolymers.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast an ionomer and a functionalized polymer selected frompolyethylenes, including metallocene-catalyzed andnon-metallocene-catalyzed polyethylenes, ethylene vinyl acetates,ethylene-acid random copolymers, ethylene elastomers, andpolypropylenes.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast an ionomer and an acid copolymer.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast an ionomer and a functionalized styrenic block copolymer.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast an ionomer and an ethylene acrylate based terpolymer.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast an ionomer and a functionalized EPDM.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast an ionomer and a polyoctenamer.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast an ionomer and a highly crystalline polymer, particularly selectedfrom the highly crystalline ionomers and acid copolymers disclosedabove. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the ionomer is amedium acid (11-16 wt %) or high acid (>16 wt %) ionomer. In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, the ionomer is a blend of a highacid ionomer neutralized with sodium and a high acid ionomer neutralizedwith zinc. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the basepolymer is a blend of a high acid ionomer and a highly crystallinepolymer, wherein the high acid ionomer is selected from sodium ionomers,lithium ionomers, zinc ionomers, magnesium ionomers, and blends of twoor more thereof. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, thebase polymer is a blend, particularly a 25/25/50 or 37.5/37.5/25 blend,of Surlyn® 8150 or Surlyn®8140 high acid sodium ionomer, Surlyn® 9150 orSurlyn®9120 high acid zinc ionomer, and a highly crystalline polymer.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a very low acidethylene copolymer or terpolymer highly neutralized with a fatty acidsalt. Particularly suitable commercially available examples of very lowacid ethylene copolymers and terpolymers include, but are not limitedto, Nucrel® AE very low acid ethylene terpolymer, Nucrel® 0411HS verylow acid ethylene copolymer, Nucrel® 0407 very low acid ethylenecopolymer, Nucrel® 0403 very low acid ethylene copolymer, Nucrel® 0609HSvery low acid ethylene copolymer, commercially available from E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer includes at least anionomer, wherein the ionomer is a partially- or highly-neutralized verylow acid ethylene copolymer or terpolymer.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of atleast a polyamide and one or more additional components selected from:

-   -   (1) O/X/Y-type acid copolymers;    -   (2) O/X/Y-type and O/X-type ionomers, including partially and        highly-neutralized ionomers, particularly highly neutralized        ionomers comprising fatty acid salts, such as DuPont® HPF 1000        and HPF 2000, and VLMI-type ionomers, such as Surlyn® 9320        ionomer;    -   (3) polyester elastomers (e.g., Hytrel® polyester elastomer,        commercially available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company;    -   (4) polyether block amides (e.g. Pebax® polyether block amides,        commercially available from Arkema Inc.);    -   (5) thermoplastic elastomers based on para-phenylene        diisocyanate (e.g., Hylene® thermoplastic elastomers based on        PPDI, commercially available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and        Company);    -   (6) fatty acids and metal salts thereof, particularly zinc salts        of fatty acids, and including, but not limited to, stearic acid,        oleic acid, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, zinc oleate, and        magnesium oleate;    -   (7) functionalized, particularly acrylic acid-grafted and        glycidyl methacrylate-grafted, non-ionomeric polymers selected        from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, rubber-toughened olefin        polymers, acid copolymers, styrenic block copolymers,        dynamically vulcanized elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetates,        ethylene acrylate based terpolymers, ethylene elastomers,        propylene elastomers, ethylene propylene rubbers,        ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers (EPDM);    -   (8) fatty acid amides, including, but not limited to, saturated        fatty acid monoamides (e.g., lauramide, palmitamide,        arachidamide behenamide, stearamide, and 12-hydroxy stearamide);        unsaturated fatty acid monoamides (e.g., oleamide, erucamide,        and recinoleamide); substituted fatty acid amides (e.g., stearyl        stearamide, behenyl behenamide, stearyl behenamide, behenyl        stearamide, oleyl oleamide, oleyl stearamide, stearyl oleamide,        stearyl erucamide, erucyl erucamide, and erucyl stearamide,        oleyl palmitamide, methylol amide, methylol stearamide, methylol        behenamide; saturated fatty acid bis-amides (e.g., methylene        bis-stearamide, ethylene bis-stearamide, ethylene        bis-isostearamide, ethylene bis-hydroxystearamide, ethylene        bis-behenamide, hexamethylene bis-stearamide, hexamethylene        bis-behenamide, hexamethylene bis-hydroxystearamide,        N,N′-distearyl adipamide, and N,N′-distearyl sebacamide);        unsaturated fatty acid bis-amides (e.g., ethylene bis-oleamide,        hexamethylene bis-oleamide, N,N′-dioleyl adipamide, N,N′-dioleyl        sebacamide); and saturated and unsaturated fatty acid tetra        amides, stearyl erucamide, ethylene bis stearamide and ethylene        bis oleamide; and    -   (9) crosslinked rubber powder, such as nitrile butadiene rubber        (e.g., NBP 6300 and NBP 8300 nitrile butadiene rubber powder,        commercially available from LG Chem).        In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the polyamide is        selected from aliphatic, aromatic, and amorphous polyamides. In        another particular aspect of this embodiment, the polyamide is        an amorphous polyamide. In another particular aspect of this        embodiment, the polyamide is selected from graft        ionomer-modified polyamides and rubber-modified polyamides. In        another particular aspect of this embodiment, the base polymer        is a blend of at least a polyamide, particularly an amorphous        polyamide, and an O/X/Y-type ionomer, particularly selected from        VLMI-type ionomers and highly neutralized ionomers. In another        particular aspect of this embodiment, the base polymer is a        blend of at least a polyamide, particularly an amorphous        polyamide, and an O/X/Y-type acid copolymer. In another        particular aspect of this embodiment, the base polymer is a        blend of at least a polyamide, particularly an amorphous        polyamide, and an additional component selected from the fatty        acids and metal salts thereof in item (6) above, particularly        selected from zinc salts of fatty acids. In another particular        aspect of this embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of at        least a polyamide, particularly an amorphous polyamide; a first        additional component selected from the fatty acids and metal        salts thereof in item (6) above, and particularly selected from        zinc salts of fatty acids; and a second additional component        selected from the ionomers in item (2) above. In another        particular aspect of this embodiment, the base polymer is a        blend of at least a polyamide, particularly an amorphous        polyamide; a first additional component selected from the fatty        acids and metal salts thereof in item (6) above, and        particularly selected from zinc salts of fatty acids; and a        second additional component selected from the functionalized        non-ionomeric polymers in item (7) above. In another particular        aspect of this embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of at        least a polyamide and a fatty acid amide selected from those in        item (8) above. In another particular aspect of this embodiment,        the base polymer is a blend of at least a polyamide,        particularly an amorphous polyamide; a first additional        component selected from the fatty acid amides in item (8) above;        and a second additional component selected from the ionomers in        item (2) above. In another particular aspect of this embodiment,        the base polymer is a blend of at least a polyamide,        particularly an amorphous polyamide; a first additional        component selected from the fatty acid amides in item (8) above;        and a second additional component selected from the        functionalized non-ionomeric polymers in item (7) above. In        another particular aspect of this embodiment, the base polymer        is a blend of at least a polyamide, particularly an amorphous        polyamide; a first additional component selected from the fatty        acid amides in item (8) above; and a second additional component        selected from the acid copolymers in item (1) above. In another        particular aspect of this embodiment, the base polymer is a        blend of at least a polyamide, particularly an amorphous        polyamide, and a crosslinked rubber powder. In another        particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of at least a        polyamide, particularly an amorphous polyamide; a crosslinked        rubber powder; and an additional component selected from any one        or more of the components listed in items (1)-(8) above. In yet        another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of at        least an ionomer, a polyamide, and a fatty acid ester, as        disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,144,938, the entire        disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable commercially available polyamides include, but are not limitedto, Grivory® polyamides, e.g., Grivory® GTR45 partially aromaticpolyamide, and Grilamid® polyamides, e.g., Grilamid® TR90 amorphouspolyamide based on aliphatic and cycloaliphatic blocks, commerciallyavailable from EMS Grivory; Zytel® polyamide resins, particularly Zytel®HTN PPA resins, Zytel® FN727 NC010 graft ionomer-modified PA6 resin,Zytel® FN714 NC010A and Zytel® FN718 NC010 graft ionomer-modified PA66resins, and Zytel® ST811HS NC010 rubber-modified PA6 resin, commerciallyavailable from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; and Elvamide® nylonmultipolymer resins, commercially available from E.I. du Pont de Nemoursand Company.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend includingat least a functionalized ethylene homopolymer or copolymer, including,but not limited to, functionalized ethylene acrylate copolymers,particularly, glycidyl methacrylate-grafted polyethylenes and glycidylmethacrylate-grafted ethylene/n-butyl acrylate copolymers.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend includingat least an ionomer and a thermoplastic polyurethane. In a particularaspect of this embodiment, the polyurethane is selected from thepolyurethanes disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2005/0256294, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend including:

-   -   (a) a first component selected from polyester elastomers (e.g.,        Hytrel® polyester elastomers); polyether block amides (e.g.,        Pebax® polyether block amides); polyester-ether amides; and        polypropylene ether glycol compositions, such as those        disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2005/0256294, the entire disclosure of which is hereby        incorporated herein by reference; and combinations of two or        more thereof;    -   (b) a second component selected from O/X/Y-type and O/X-type        ionomers, including partially and highly-neutralized ionomers,        particularly highly neutralized ionomers comprising fatty acid        salts, such as DuPont® HPF 1000 and HPF 2000, and VLMI-type        ionomers, such as Surlyn® 9320 ionomer; O/X/Y-type acid        copolymers; and polyamides and polyamide blends, particularly        selected from the polyamides and polyamide blends disclosed        above.        In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the base polymer is a        blend including at least a polyester elastomer and a highly        neutralized ionomer comprising fatty acid salts. Such blend is        disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,375,151, the entire        disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In yet another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blendincluding at least a polyester, an ionomer, and a grafted EPDM. Suchblends are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,573,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

In another particular embodiment, the base polymer is a blend of anionomer and a second component selected from ionomers and acidcopolymers, wherein the second component has a low melting point, i.e.,a melting point of 95° C. or less, preferably 93° or less.

Hard and flexible compositions of the present invention optionallyinclude additive(s) and/or filler(s) in an amount of 50 wt % or less, or30 wt % or less, or 20 wt % or less, or 15 wt % or less, based on thetotal weight of the hard and flexible composition. Suitable additivesand fillers include, but are not limited to, chemical blowing andfoaming agents, optical brighteners, coloring agents, fluorescentagents, whitening agents, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, defoamingagents, processing aids, antioxidants, stabilizers, softening agents,fragrance components, plasticizers, impact modifiers, TiO₂, acidcopolymer wax, surfactants, performance additives (e.g., A-C®performance additives, particularly A-C® low molecular weight ionomersand copolymers, A-C® oxidized polyethylenes, and A-C® ethylene vinylacetate waxes, commercially available from Honeywell InternationalInc.), fatty acid amides (e.g., ethylene bis-stearamide and ethylenebis-oleamide), fatty acids and salts thereof (e.g., stearic acid, oleicacid, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, zinc oleate, and magnesiumoleate), and fillers, such as zinc oxide, tin oxide, barium sulfate,zinc sulfate, calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, zinc carbonate, bariumcarbonate, tungsten, tungsten carbide, silica, lead silicate, regrind(recycled material), clay, mica, talc, nano-fillers, carbon black, glassflake, milled glass, flock, fibers, and mixtures thereof. Suitableadditives are more fully described in, for example, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2003/0225197, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference. In a particular embodiment,the total amount of additive(s) and filler(s) present in the hard andflexible composition is 20 wt % or less, or 15 wt % or less, or 12 wt %or less, or 10 wt % or less, or 9 wt % or less, or 6 wt % or less, or 5wt % or less, or 4 wt % or less, or 3 wt % or less, or within a rangehaving a lower limit of 0 or 2 or 3 or 5 wt %, based on the total weightof the hard and flexible composition, and an upper limit of 9 or 10 or12 or 15 or 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the hard and flexiblecomposition. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the hard andflexible composition includes filler(s) selected from carbon black,micro- and nano-scale clays and organoclays, including (e.g., Cloisite®and Nanofil® nanoclays, commercially available from Southern ClayProducts, Inc.; Nanomax® and Nanomer® nanoclays, commercially availablefrom Nanocor, Inc., and Perkalite® nanoclays, commercially availablefrom Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals), micro- and nano-scale talcs (e.g.,Luzenac HAR® high aspect ratio talcs, commercially available fromLuzenac America, Inc.), glass (e.g., glass flake, milled glass,microglass, and glass fibers), micro- and nano-scale mica and mica-basedpigments (e.g., Iriodin® pearl luster pigments, commercially availablefrom The Merck Group), and combinations thereof. Particularly suitablecombinations of fillers include, but are not limited to, micro-scalefiller(s) combined with nano-scale filler(s), and organic filler(s) withinorganic filler(s).

Hard and flexible compositions of the present invention optionallyinclude one or more melt flow modifiers. Suitable melt flow modifiersinclude materials which increase the melt flow of the composition, asmeasured using ASTM D-1238, condition E, at 190° C., using a 2160 gramweight. Examples of suitable melt flow modifiers include, but are notlimited to, fatty acids and fatty acid salts, including, but not limitedto, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,760, the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference; fatty amides and saltsthereof; polyhydric alcohols, including, but not limited to, thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,365,128, and U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2010/0099514, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference; polylactic acids, including, but notlimited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,642,319, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and themodifiers disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2010/0099514 and 2009/0203469, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference. Flow enhancing additives alsoinclude, but are not limited to, montanic acids, esters of montanicacids and salts thereof, bis-stearoylethylenediamine, mono- andpolyalcohol esters such as pentaerythritol tetrastearate, zwitterioniccompounds, and metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene and polypropylene wax,including maleic anhydride modified versions thereof, amide waxes andalkylene diamides such as bistearamides. Particularly suitable fattyamides include, but not limited to, saturated fatty acid monoamides(e.g., lauramide, palmitamide, arachidamide behenamide, stearamide, and12-hydroxy stearamide); unsaturated fatty acid monoamides (e.g.,oleamide, erucamide, and recinoleamide); N-substituted fatty acid amides(e.g., N-stearyl stearamide, N-behenyl behenamide, N-stearyl behenamide,N-behenyl stearamide, N-oleyl oleamide, N-oleyl stearamide, N-stearyloleamide, N-stearyl erucamide, erucyl erucamide, and erucyl stearamide,N-oleyl palmitamide, methylol amide (more preferably, methylolstearamide, methylol behenamide); saturated fatty acid bis-amides (e.g.,methylene bis-stearamide, ethylene bis-stearamide, ethylenebis-isostearamide, ethylene bis-hydroxystearamide, ethylenebis-behenamide, hexamethylene bis-stearamide, hexamethylenebis-behenamide, hexamethylene bis-hydroxystearamide, N,N′-distearyladipamide, and N,N′-distearyl sebacamide); unsaturated fatty acidbis-amides (e.g., ethylene bis-oleamide, hexamethylene bis-oleamide,N,N′-dioleyl adipamide, N,N′-dioleyl sebacamide); and saturated andunsaturated fatty acid tetra amides, stearyl erucamide, ethylene bisstearamide and ethylene bis oleamide. Suitable examples of commerciallyavailable fatty amides include, but are not limited to, Kemamide® fattyacids, such as Kemamide® B (behenamide/arachidamide), Kemamide® W40(N,N′-ethylenebisstearamide), Kemamide® P181 (oleyl palmitamide),Kemamide® S (stearamide), Kemamide® U (oleamide), Kemamide® E(erucamide), Kemamide® 0 (oleamide), Kemamide® W45(N,N′-ethylenebisstearamide), Kenamide® W20 (N,N′-ethylenebisoleamide),Kemamide® E180 (stearyl erucamide), Kemamide® E221 (erucyl erucamide),Kemamide® S180 (stearyl stearamide), Kemamide® 5221 (erucyl stearamide),commercially available from Humko Chemical Company; and Crodamide® fattyamides, such as Crodamide® OR (oleamide), Crodamide® ER (erucamide),Crodamide® SR (stereamide), Crodamide® BR (behenamide), Crodamide® 203(oleyl palmitamide), and Crodamide® 212 (stearyl erucamide),commercially available from Croda Universal Ltd. In a particularembodiment, the hard and flexible composition includes a melt flowmodifier in an amount within a range having a lower limit of 0.0001 or0.001 or 0.01 parts per hundred parts polymer (pph) and an upper limitof 5 or 10 or 15 pph.

In a particular embodiment, the hard and flexible composition ismodified with organic fiber micropulp, as disclosed, for example, inU.S. Pat. No. 7,504,448, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the hard and flexible composition ismodified with rosin, particularly when the hard and flexible compositionincludes an ionomer, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,429,624 and 7,238,737, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the hard and flexible compositioncomprises at least one nanoclay, preferably wherein the total amount ofnanoclay(s) present is from 3 to 25 wt % based on the total weight ofthe composition, and an ionomer. In a particular aspect of thisembodiment, the ionomer is at least partially neutralized with a zincionomer. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the ionomer isat least partially neutralized with a sodium ionomer. In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, the ionomer is at least partiallyneutralized with a first and a second cation, wherein the first cationis zinc.

Hard and flexible compositions of the present invention preferably havea JIS-C hardness, as measured according to the method given in theExamples below, within a range having a lower limit of 60 or 65 or 70 or75 or 80 or 82 or 84 or 86 or 87 or 88 or 90 or 92 or 95 or 96 and anupper limit of 100, or a JIS-C hardness of 70 or greater, or 75 orgreater, or 80 or greater, or 85 or greater, or 86 or greater, or 87 orgreater, or 88 or greater, or 90 or greater, or 92 or greater, or 95 orgreater, or 96 or greater.

Hard and flexible compositions of the present invention preferably havea flexural modulus, as measured according to the method given in theExamples below, of 5 ksi or less, or 6 ksi or less, or 8 ksi or less, or10 ksi or less, or 15 ksi or less, or 20 ksi or less, or 25 ksi or less,or 30 ksi or less, or 35 ksi or less, or 40 ksi or less, or 45 ksi orless, or 48 ksi or less, or 50 ksi or less, or 52 ksi or less, or 55 ksior less, or 60 ksi or less, or 63 ksi or less, or 65 ksi or less, or 70or less, or 75 or less, or 80 or less or a flexural modulus within arange having a lower limit of 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 8 or 10 or15 or 20 or 25 or 30 or 35 or 40 or 45 or 50 or 55 or 60 ksi and anupper limit of 60 or 65 or 70 or 75 or 80 ksi.

Particularly suitable hard and flexible compositions are given in theExamples below.

Golf Ball Applications

Hard and flexible compositions according to the present invention can beused in a variety of applications. For example, the polymer compositionsare suitable for use in golf balls, including one-piece, two-piece(i.e., a core and a cover), multi-layer (i.e., a core of one or morelayers and a cover of one or more layers), and wound golf balls, havinga variety of core structures, intermediate layers, covers, and coatings.

In golf balls of the present invention, at least one layer is formedfrom a thermoplastic composition that is hard and flexible as describedherein. In golf balls having two or more layers which comprise a hardand flexible composition, the hard and flexible composition of one layermay be the same or a different hard and flexible composition as anotherlayer. The layer(s) comprising the hard and flexible composition can beany one or more of a core layer, an intermediate layer, or a coverlayer.

Core Layer(s)

Cores of the golf balls formed according to the invention may be solid,semi-solid, hollow, fluid-, powder-, or gas-filled, and may be one-pieceor multi-layered. Multilayer cores include a center, innermost portion,which may be solid, semi-solid, hollow, fluid-, powder-, or gas-filled,surrounded by at least one outer core layer. The outer core layer may besolid, or it may be a wound layer formed of a tensioned elastomericmaterial. For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “semi-solid”refers to a paste, a gel, or the like. Any core material known to one ofordinary skill in that art is suitable for use in the golf balls of theinvention. Suitable core materials include thermoset materials, such asrubber, styrene butadiene, polybutadiene, isoprene, polyisoprene,trans-isoprene, as well as thermoplastics such as ionomer resins,polyamides or polyesters, and thermoplastic and thermoset polyurethaneelastomers. As mentioned above, the hard and flexible compositions ofthe present invention may be incorporated into any component of a golfball, including the core.

In a particular embodiment, the core layer(s) are each formed from arubber composition comprising a base rubber, an initiator agent, acoagent, and optionally one or more of a zinc oxide, zinc stearate orstearic acid, antioxidant, and a soft and fast agent. Suitable baserubbers include Suitable rubber compositions for forming the inner corelayer(s) comprise a base rubber, an initiator agent, a coagent, andoptionally one or more of a zinc oxide, zinc stearate or stearic acid,antioxidant, and soft and fast agent. Suitable base rubbers includenatural and synthetic rubbers including, but not limited to,polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber (“EPR”),styrene-butadiene rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubbers (such as SI,SIS, SB, SBS, SIBS, and the like, where “S” is styrene, “I” is isoprene,and “B” is butadiene), butyl rubber, halobutyl rubber, polystyreneelastomers, polyethylene elastomers, polyurethane elastomers, polyureaelastomers, metallocene-catalyzed elastomers and plastomers, copolymersof isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, halogenated copolymers ofisobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, copolymers of butadiene withacrylonitrile, polychloroprene, alkyl acrylate rubber, chlorinatedisoprene rubber, acrylonitrile chlorinated isoprene rubber, andcombinations of two or more thereof (e.g., polybutadiene combined withlesser amounts of other thermoset materials selected fromcis-polyisoprene, trans-polyisoprene, balata, polychloroprene,polynorbornene, polyoctenamer, polypentenamer, butyl rubber, EPR, EPDM,styrene-butadiene, and similar thermoset materials). Diene rubbers arepreferred, particularly polybutadiene (including 1,4-polybutadienehaving a cis-structure of at least 40%), styrene-butadiene, and mixturesof polybutadiene with other elastomers wherein the amount ofpolybutadiene present is at least 40 wt % based on the total polymericweight of the mixture. Particularly preferred polybutadienes includehigh-cis neodymium-catalyzed polybutadienes and cobalt-, nickel-, orlithium-catalyzed polybutadienes. Suitable examples of commerciallyavailable polybutadienes include, but are not limited to, Buna CBhigh-cis neodymium-catalyzed polybutadiene rubbers, such as Buna CB 23,and high-cis cobalt-catalyzed polybutadiene rubbers, such as Buna CB1220 and CB 1221, commercially available from LANXESS® Corporation, andBR 1220, commercially available from BST Elastomers Co., Ltd.;Europrene® NEOCIS® BR 40 and BR 60, commercially available from PolimeriEuropa®; UBEPOL-BR® rubbers, commercially available from UBE Industries,Inc.; BR rubbers, commercially available from Japan Synthetic RubberCo., Ltd.; and Neodene high-cis neodymium-catalyzed polybutadienerubbers, such as Neodene BR 40 and BR 45, commercially available fromKarbochem.

Suitable initiator agents include organic peroxides, high energyradiation sources capable of generating free radicals, and combinationsthereof. High energy radiation sources capable of generating freeradicals include, but are not limited to, electron beams, ultra-violetradiation, gamma radiation, X-ray radiation, infrared radiation, heat,and combinations thereof. Suitable organic peroxides include, but arenot limited to, dicumyl peroxide;n-butyl-4,4-di(t-butylperoxy)θvalerate;1,1-di(t-butylperoxy)3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane;2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane; di-t-butyl peroxide; di-t-amylperoxide; t-butyl peroxide; t-butyl cumyl peroxide;2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexyne-3;di(2-t-butyl-peroxyisopropyl)benzene; dilauroyl peroxide; dibenzoylperoxide; t-butyl hydroperoxide; lauryl peroxide; benzoyl peroxide; andcombinations thereof. Examples of suitable commercially availableperoxides include, but are not limited to Perkadox® and Trigonox®organic peroxides, both of which are commercially available from AkzoNobel, and Varox® peroxides, such as Varox® ANS benzoyl peroxide, Varox®231 1,1-di(t-butylperoxy)3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, and Varox® 230-XLn-butyl-4,4-bis(tert-butylperoxy)valerate, commercially available fromRT Vanderbilt Company, Inc.

Peroxide initiator agents are generally present in the rubbercomposition in an amount of at least 0.05 parts by weight per 100 partsof the base rubber, or an amount within the range having a lower limitof 0.05 parts or 0.1 parts or 0.4 parts or 0.5 parts or 0.8 parts or 1part or 1.25 parts or 1.5 parts by weight per 100 parts of the baserubber, and an upper limit of 2.5 parts or 3 parts or 5 parts or 6 partsor 10 parts or 15 parts by weight per 100 parts of the base rubber.

Coagents are commonly used with peroxides to increase the state of cure.Suitable coagents include, but are not limited to, metal salts ofunsaturated carboxylic acids; unsaturated vinyl compounds andpolyfunctional monomers (e.g., trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate);phenylene bismaleimide; and combinations thereof. Particular examples ofsuitable metal salts include, but are not limited to, one or more metalsalts of acrylates, diacrylates, methacrylates, and dimethacrylates,wherein the metal is selected from magnesium, calcium, zinc, aluminum,lithium, nickel, and sodium. In a particular embodiment, the coagent isselected from zinc salts of acrylates, diacrylates, methacrylates,dimethacrylates, and mixtures thereof. In another particular embodiment,the coagent is zinc diacrylate. When the coagent is zinc diacrylateand/or zinc dimethacrylate, the coagent is typically included in therubber composition in an amount within the range having a lower limit of1 or 5 or 10 or 15 or 19 or 20 parts by weight per 100 parts of the baserubber, and an upper limit of 24 or 25 or 30 or 35 or 40 or 45 or 50 or60 parts by weight per 100 parts of the base rubber. When one or moreless active coagents are used, such as zinc monomethacrylate and variousliquid acrylates and methacrylates, the amount of less active coagentused may be the same as or higher than for zinc diacrylate and zincdimethacrylate coagents. The desired compression may be obtained byadjusting the amount of crosslinking, which can be achieved, forexample, by altering the type and amount of coagent.

The rubber composition optionally includes a sulfur-based agent.Suitable sulfur-based agents include, but are not limited to, sulfur;N-oxydiethylene 2-benzothiazole sulfenamide;N,N-di-ortho-tolylguanidine; bismuth dimethyldithiocarbamate;N-cyclohexyl 2-benzothiazole sulfenamide; N,N-diphenylguanidine;4-morpholinyl-2-benzothiazole disulfide; dipentamethylenethiuramhexasulfide; thiuram disulfides; mercaptobenzothiazoles; sulfenamides;dithiocarbamates; thiuram sulfides; guanidines; thioureas; xanthates;dithiophosphates; aldehyde-amines; dibenzothiazyl disulfide;tetraethylthiuram disulfide; tetrabutylthiuram disulfide; andcombinations thereof.

The rubber composition optionally contains one or more antioxidants.Antioxidants are compounds that can inhibit or prevent the oxidativedegradation of the rubber. Some antioxidants also act as free radicalscavengers; thus, when antioxidants are included in the rubbercomposition, the amount of initiator agent used may be as high or higherthan the amounts disclosed herein. Suitable antioxidants include, forexample, dihydroquinoline antioxidants, amine type antioxidants, andphenolic type antioxidants.

The rubber composition may also contain one or more fillers to adjustthe density and/or specific gravity of the core. Exemplary fillersinclude precipitated hydrated silica, clay, talc, asbestos, glassfibers, aramid fibers, mica, calcium metasilicate, zinc sulfate, bariumsulfate, zinc sulfide, lithopone, silicates, silicon carbide,diatomaceous earth, polyvinyl chloride, carbonates (e.g., calciumcarbonate, zinc carbonate, barium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate),metals (e.g., titanium, tungsten, aluminum, bismuth, nickel, molybdenum,iron, lead, copper, boron, cobalt, beryllium, zinc, and tin), metalalloys (e.g., steel, brass, bronze, boron carbide whiskers, and tungstencarbide whiskers), metal oxides (e.g., zinc oxide, tin oxide, ironoxide, calcium oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide,and zirconium oxide), particulate carbonaceous materials (e.g.,graphite, carbon black, cotton flock, natural bitumen, cellulose flock,and leather fiber), microballoons (e.g., glass and ceramic), fly ash,regrind (i.e., core material that is ground and recycled), nanofillers,and combinations of two or more thereof. The amount of particulatematerial(s) present in the rubber composition is typically within arange having a lower limit of 5 parts or 10 parts by weight per 100parts of the base rubber, and an upper limit of 30 parts or 50 parts or100 parts by weight per 100 parts of the base rubber. Filler materialsmay be dual-functional fillers, such as zinc oxide (which may be used asa filler/acid scavenger) and titanium dioxide (which may be used as afiller/brightener material).

The rubber composition may also contain one or more additives selectedfrom processing aids, processing oils, plasticizers, coloring agents,fluorescent agents, chemical blowing and foaming agents, defoamingagents, stabilizers, softening agents, impact modifiers, free radicalscavengers, accelerators, scorch retarders, and the like. The amount ofadditive(s) typically present in the rubber composition is typicallywithin a range having a lower limit of 0 parts by weight per 100 partsof the base rubber, and an upper limit of 20 parts or 50 parts or 100parts or 150 parts by weight per 100 parts of the base rubber.

The rubber composition optionally includes a soft and fast agent.Preferably, the rubber composition contains from 0.05 phr to 10.00 phrof a soft and fast agent. In one embodiment, the soft and fast agent ispresent in an amount within a range having a lower limit of 0.05 or 0.10or 0.20 or 0.50 phr and an upper limit of 1.00 or 2.00 or 3.00 or 5.00phr. In another embodiment, the soft and fast agent is present in anamount within a range having a lower limit of 2.00 or 2.35 phr and anupper limit of 3.00 or 4.00 or 5.00 phr. In an alternative highconcentration embodiment, the soft and fast agent is present in anamount within a range having a lower limit of 5.00 or 6.00 or 7.00 phrand an upper limit of 8.00 or 9.00 or 10.00 phr. In another embodiment,the soft and fast agent is present in an amount of 2.6 phr.

Suitable soft and fast agents include, but are not limited to,organosulfur and metal-containing organosulfur compounds; organic sulfurcompounds, including mono, di, and polysulfides, thiol, and mercaptocompounds; inorganic sulfide compounds; blends of an organosulfurcompound and an inorganic sulfide compound; Group VIA compounds;substituted and unsubstituted aromatic organic compounds that do notcontain sulfur or metal; aromatic organometallic compounds;hydroquinones; benzoquinones; quinhydrones; catechols; resorcinols; andcombinations thereof.

As used herein, “organosulfur compound” refers to any compoundcontaining carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur, where the sulfur is directlybonded to at least 1 carbon. As used herein, the term “sulfur compound”means a compound that is elemental sulfur, polymeric sulfur, or acombination thereof. It should be further understood that the term“elemental sulfur” refers to the ring structure of S₈ and that“polymeric sulfur” is a structure including at least one additionalsulfur relative to elemental sulfur.

Particularly suitable as soft and fast agents are organosulfur compoundshaving the following general formula:

where R₁-R₅ can be C₁-C₈ alkyl groups; halogen groups; thiol groups(—SH), carboxylated groups; sulfonated groups; and hydrogen; in anyorder; and also pentafluorothiophenol; 2-fluorothiophenol;3-fluorothiophenol; 4-fluorothiophenol; 2,3-fluorothiophenol;2,4-fluorothiophenol; 3,4-fluorothiophenol; 3,5-fluorothiophenol2,3,4-fluorothiophenol; 3,4,5-fluorothiophenol;2,3,4,5-tetrafluorothiophenol; 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorothiophenol;4-chlorotetrafluorothiophenol; pentachlorothiophenol;2-chlorothiophenol; 3-chlorothiophenol; 4-chlorothiophenol;2,3-chlorothiophenol; 2,4-chlorothiophenol; 3,4-chlorothiophenol;3,5-chlorothiophenol; 2,3,4-chlorothiophenol; 3,4,5-chlorothiophenol;2,3,4,5-tetrachlorothiophenol; 2,3,5,6-tetrachlorothiophenol;pentabromothiophenol; 2-bromothiophenol; 3-bromothiophenol;4-bromothiophenol; 2,3-bromothiophenol; 2,4-bromothiophenol;3,4-bromothiophenol; 3,5-bromothiophenol; 2,3,4-bromothiophenol;3,4,5-bromothiophenol; 2,3,4,5-tetrabromothiophenol;2,3,5,6-tetrabromothiophenol; pentaiodothiophenol; 2-iodothiophenol;3-iodothiophenol; 4-iodothiophenol; 2,3-iodothiophenol;2,4-iodothiophenol; 3,4-iodothiophenol; 3,5-iodothiophenol;2,3,4-iodothiophenol; 3,4,5-iodothiophenol; 2,3,4,5-tetraiodothiophenol;2,3,5,6-tetraiodothiophenoland; zinc salts thereof; non-metal saltsthereof, for example, ammonium salt of pentachlorothiophenol; magnesiumpentachlorothiophenol; cobalt pentachlorothiophenol; and combinationsthereof. Preferably, the halogenated thiophenol compound ispentachlorothiophenol, which is commercially available in neat form orunder the tradename STRUKTOL® A95, a clay-based carrier containing thesulfur compound pentachlorothiophenol loaded at 45 percent. STRUKTOL®A95 is commercially available from Struktol Company of America of Stow,Ohio. PCTP is commercially available in neat form from eChinachem of SanFrancisco, Calif. and in the salt form from eChinachem of San Francisco,Calif. Most preferably, the halogenated thiophenol compound is the zincsalt of pentachlorothiophenol, which is commercially available fromeChinachem of San Francisco, Calif. Suitable organosulfur compounds arefurther disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,635,716, 6,919,393,7,005,479 and 7,148,279, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Suitable metal-containing organosulfur compounds include, but are notlimited to, cadmium, copper, lead, and tellurium analogs ofdiethyldithiocarbamate, diamyldithiocarbamate, anddimethyldithiocarbamate, and combinations thereof. Additional examplesare disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,005,479, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable disulfides include, but are not limited to, 4,4′-diphenyldisulfide; 4,4′-ditolyl disulfide; 2,2′-benzamido diphenyl disulfide;bis(2-aminophenyl)disulfide; bis(4-aminophenyl)disulfide;bis(3-aminophenyl)disulfide; 2,2′-bis(4-aminonaphthyl)disulfide;2,2′-bis(3-aminonaphthyl)disulfide; 2,2′-bis(4-aminonaphthyl)disulfide;2,2′-bis(5-aminonaphthyl)disulfide; 2,2′-bis(6-aminonaphthyl)disulfide;2,2′-bis(7-aminonaphthyl)disulfide; 2,2′-bis(8-aminonaphthyl)disulfide;1,1′-bis(2-aminonaphthyl)disulfide; 1,1′-bis(3-aminonaphthyl)disulfide;1,1′-bis(3-aminonaphthyl)disulfide; 1,1′-bis(4-aminonaphthyl)disulfide;1,1′-bis(5-aminonaphthyl)disulfide; 1,1′-bis(6-aminonaphthyl)disulfide;1,1′-bis(7-aminonaphthyl)disulfide; 1,1′-bis(8-aminonaphthyl)disulfide;1,2′-diamino-1,2′-dithiodinaphthalene;2,3′-diamino-1,2′-dithiodinaphthalene; bis(4-chlorophenyl)disulfide;bis(2-chlorophenyl)disulfide; bis(3-chlorophenyl)disulfide;bis(4-bromophenyl)disulfide; bis(2-bromophenyl)disulfide;bis(3-bromophenyl)disulfide; bis(4-fluorophenyl)disulfide;bis(4-iodophenyl)disulfide; bis(2,5-dichlorophenyl)disulfide;bis(3,5-dichlorophenyl)disulfide; bis(2,4-dichlorophenyl)disulfide;bis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)disulfide; bis(2,5-dibromophenyl)disulfide;bis(3,5-dibromophenyl)disulfide; bis(2-chloro-5-bromophenyl)disulfide;bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)disulfide;bis(2,3,4,5,6-pentachlorophenyl)disulfide; bis(4-cyanophenyl)disulfide;bis(2-cyanophenyl)disulfide; bis(4-nitrophenyl)disulfide;bis(2-nitrophenyl)disulfide; 2,2′-dithiobenzoic acid ethylester;2,2′-dithiobenzoic acid methylester; 2,2′-dithiobenzoic acid;4,4′-dithiobenzoic acid ethylester; bis(4-acetylphenyl)disulfide;bis(2-acetylphenyl)disulfide; bis(4-formylphenyl)disulfide;bis(4-carbamoylphenyl)disulfide; 1,1′-dinaphthyl disulfide;2,2′-dinaphthyl disulfide; 1,2′-dinaphthyl disulfide;2,2′-bis(1-chlorodinaphthyl)disulfide;2,2′-bis(1-bromonaphthyl)disulfide; 1,1′-bis(2-chloronaphthyl)disulfide;2,2′-bis(1-cyanonaphthyl)disulfide; 2,2′-bis(1-acetylnaphthyl)disulfide;and the like; and combinations thereof.

Suitable inorganic sulfide compounds include, but are not limited to,titanium sulfide, manganese sulfide, and sulfide analogs of iron,calcium, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, copper, selenium, yttrium, zinc,tin, and bismuth.

Suitable Group VIA compounds include, but are not limited to, elementalsulfur and polymeric sulfur, such as those which are commerciallyavailable from Elastochem, Inc. of Chardon, Ohio; sulfur catalystcompounds which include PB(RM-S)-80 elemental sulfur and PB(CRST)-65polymeric sulfur, each of which is available from Elastochem, Inc;tellurium catalysts, such as TELLOY®, and selenium catalysts, such asVANDEX®, each of which is commercially available from RT VanderbiltCompany, Inc.

Suitable substituted and unsubstituted aromatic organic components thatdo not include sulfur or a metal include, but are not limited to,4,4′-diphenyl acetylene, azobenzene, and combinations thereof. Thearomatic organic group preferably ranges in size from C₆ to C₂₀, andmore preferably from C₆ to C₁₀.

Suitable substituted and unsubstituted aromatic organometallic compoundsinclude, but are not limited to, those having the formula(R₁)_(x)—R₃-M-R₄—(R₂)_(y), wherein R₁ and R₂ are each hydrogen or asubstituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₂₀ linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl,alkoxy, or alkylthio group, or a single, multiple, or fused ring C₆ toC₂₄ aromatic group; x and y are each an integer from 0 to 5; R₃ and R₄are each selected from a single, multiple, or fused ring C₆ to C₂₄aromatic group; and M includes an azo group or a metal component.Preferably, R₃ and R₄ are each selected from a C₆ to C₁₀ aromatic group,more preferably selected from phenyl, benzyl, naphthyl, benzamido, andbenzothiazyl. Preferably R₁ and R₂ are each selected from substitutedand unsubstituted C₁₋₁₀ linear, branched, and cyclic alkyl, alkoxy, andalkylthio groups, and C₆ to C₁₀ aromatic groups. When R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄are substituted, the substitution may include one or more of thefollowing substituent groups: hydroxy and metal salts thereof; mercaptoand metal salts thereof; halogen; amino, nitro, cyano, and amido;carboxyl including esters, acids, and metal salts thereof; silyl;acrylates and metal salts thereof; sulfonyl and sulfonamide; andphosphates and phosphites. When M is a metal component, it may be anysuitable elemental metal. The metal is generally a transition metal, andis preferably tellurium or selenium.

Suitable hydroquinones are further disclosed, for example, in U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0213440, the entire disclosureof which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Suitablebenzoquinones are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2007/0213442, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference. Suitable quinhydrones arefurther disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2007/0213441, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference. Suitable catechols are further disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0213144, theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.Suitable resorcinols are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2007/0213144, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference. When the rubber compositionincludes one or more hydroquinones, benzoquinones, quinhydrones,catechols, resorcinols, or a combination thereof, the total amount ofhydroquinone(s), benzoquinone(s), quinhydrone(s), catechol(s), and/orresorcinol(s) present in the composition is typically at least 0.1 partsby weight or at least 0.15 parts by weight or at least 0.2 parts byweight per 100 parts of the base rubber, or an amount within the rangehaving a lower limit of 0.1 parts or 0.15 parts or 0.25 parts or 0.3parts or 0.375 parts by weight per 100 parts of the base rubber, and anupper limit of 0.5 parts or 1 part or 1.5 parts or 2 parts or 3 parts byweight per 100 parts of the base rubber.

In a particular embodiment, the soft and fast agent is selected fromzinc pentachlorothiophenol, pentachlorothiophenol, ditolyl disulfide,diphenyl disulfide, dixylyl disulfide, 2-nitroresorcinol, andcombinations thereof.

Suitable types and amounts of base rubber, initiator agent, coagent,filler, and additives are more fully described in, for example, U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,566,483, 6,695,718, 6,939,907, 7,041,721 and 7,138,460, theentire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.Particularly suitable diene rubber compositions are further disclosed,for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0093318,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

In a particular embodiment, the core is a single-layer core having anegative, low or zero hardness gradient, or a dual-layer core whereinthe inner core layer, the outer core layer, and/or the overall core hasa negative, low or zero hardness gradient. In a particular aspect ofthis embodiment, the core is selected from:

-   -   (a) a single-layer core having a negative, low or zero hardness        gradient, and, in a particular aspect of this embodiment, is        formed from a substantially homogeneous formulation and the        difference between the Shore C hardness of the outer surface of        the core and the Shore C hardness of the center of the core is 8        or less, preferably 5 or less;    -   (b) a dual- or multi-layer core comprising an inner core layer        and an outer core layer, wherein the inner core layer, the outer        core layer, and/or the overall core has a negative, low or zero        hardness gradient, and, in a particular aspect of this        embodiment, the inner core layer is formed from a first        substantially homogeneous formulation and the difference between        the Shore C hardness of the outer surface of the inner core        layer and the Shore C hardness of the center of the inner core        layer is 8 or less, preferably 5 or less; and    -   (c) a dual- or multi-layer core comprising an inner core layer        and an outer core layer, wherein the inner core layer, the outer        core layer, and/or the overall core has a negative, low or zero        hardness gradient, and, in a particular aspect of this        embodiment, the inner core layer is formed from a first        substantially homogeneous formulation, the outer core layer is        formed from a second substantially homogeneous formulation, the        difference between the Shore C hardness of the outer surface of        the inner core layer and the Shore C hardness of the center of        the inner core layer is 8 or less, preferably 5 or less, the        difference between the Shore C hardness of the outer surface of        the outer core layer and the Shore C hardness of the inner        surface of the outer core layer is 8 or less, preferably 5 or        less, and, optionally, the difference between the Shore C        hardness of the outer surface of the outer core layer and the        Shore C hardness of the center of the inner core layer is 8 or        less, preferably 5 or less.

Particularly suitable golf ball constructions including cores having anegative, low or zero hardness gradient are further disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,410,429, 7,429,221, 7,537,529, 7,537,530,7,678,312 and 7,819,760, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.2009/0008831, 2009/0008832, 2009/0011855, 2009/0011866, 2009/0011867,2010/0173726 and 2010/0227708, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the core is a multi-layer corecomprising a center, an outer core layer, and an intermediate corelayer, wherein the intermediate core layer is formed from athermoplastic composition. In a particular aspect of this embodiment,the intermediate core layer is formed from a hard and flexiblecomposition disclosed herein. Particularly suitable golf ballconstructions including multi-layer cores comprising a thermoplasticintermediate core layer are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,708,656, 7,713,145 and 7,713,146, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication Nos. 2009/0181804, 2009/0197702, 2009/0197703, 2009/0197704,2009/0197705, 2010/0075779, 2010/0075780 and 2010/0081518, and U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 12/469,381 and 12/870,926, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the core is a single-, dual-, ormulti-layer core comprising an innermost layer formed from athermoplastic composition. In a particular aspect of this embodiment,the thermoplastic composition of the innermost core layer is a hard andflexible composition disclosed herein. Particularly suitable golf ballconstructions comprising a thermoplastic innermost core layer arefurther disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,756,436, 6,824,477,6,894,098, 6,939,907, 7,148,279, 7,230,045, 7,402,629, 7,652,086 andU.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0128858, 2009/0181801,2009/0247323 and 2010/0081518, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the core is a dual- or multi-layercore comprising a center and an outer core layer, wherein the center isformed from a thermoset rubber composition and the outer core layer isformed from a thermoplastic composition. In a particular aspect of thisembodiment, the thermoplastic composition of the outer core layer is ahard and flexible composition disclosed herein. Particularly suitablegolf ball constructions comprising a dual- or multi-layer core whereinthe outer core layer is formed from a thermoplastic composition arefurther disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,824,477 and6,894,098, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0128858,2006/0281843, 2009/0023516 and 2009/0023517, the entire disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the core is a dual- or multi-layercore comprising at least two layers formed from the same or differentthermoplastic compositions. The core layers formed from thermoplasticcompositions are selected from a center, an outer core layer, anintermediate layer disposed between the center and the outer core layer,and any combination of two or more thereof. In a particular aspect ofthis embodiment, at least one of the thermoplastic core layers is formedfrom a hard and flexible composition disclosed herein, and, optionally,at least one of the thermoplastic core layers is formed from a soft andstiff composition disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/942,003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference. Particularly suitable golf ball constructions comprisingat least two thermoplastic core layers are further disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,988,962, 7,207,903, 7,211,008, 7,468,006,7,517,289, 7,530,907, 7,654,916, 7,654,917, 7,722,482, 7,731,606,7,731,607, 7,744,488, 7,766,767, 7,775,908, 7,833,112, 7,708,656, andU.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0220906, 2008/0318711,2009/0005194, 2009/0197702, 2009/0197704 and 2010/0081518, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Intermediate Layer(s)

When the golf ball of the present invention includes one or moreintermediate layers, i.e., layer(s) disposed between the core and theouter cover of a golf ball, each intermediate layer can include anymaterials known to those of ordinary skill in the art includingthermoplastic and thermosetting materials.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a golf ball having anintermediate layer formed, at least in part, from a hard and flexiblecomposition of the present invention. Also suitable for formingintermediate layer(s) are the rubber compositions disclosed above forforming core layer(s), and thermoplastic compositions including, but arenot limited to, partially- and fully-neutralized ionomers and blendsthereof, including blends of HNPs with partially neutralized ionomers(as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Application Publication No.2006/0128904), blends of HNPs with additional thermoplastic andthermoset materials (such as acid copolymers, engineeringthermoplastics, fatty acid/salt-based HNPs, polybutadienes,polyurethanes, polyureas, polyesters, thermoplastic elastomers, andother conventional polymer materials), and particularly the ionomercompositions disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,653,382,6,756,436, 6,777,472, 6,894,098, 6,919,393, and 6,953,820. Suitable HNPcompositions also include those disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,653,382, 6,756,436, 6,777,472, 6,894,098, 6,919,393, and6,953,820. The entire disclosure of each of the above references ishereby incorporated herein by reference. Preferred ionomericcompositions have an acid content (prior to neutralization) of from 1 wt% to 30 wt %, or from 5 wt % to 20 wt %.

Also suitable for forming the intermediate layer(s) are graft copolymersof ionomer and polyamide; and the following non-ionomeric polymers,including homopolymers and copolymers thereof, as well as theirderivatives that are compatibilized with at least one grafted orcopolymerized functional group, such as maleic anhydride, amine, epoxy,isocyanate, hydroxyl, sulfonate, phosphonate, and the like: polyesters,particularly those modified with a compatibilizing group such assulfonate or phosphonate, including modified poly(ethyleneterephthalate), modified poly(butylene terephthalate), modifiedpoly(propylene terephthalate), modified poly(trimethyleneterephthalate), modified poly(ethylene naphthenate), and those disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,353,050, 6,274,298, and 6,001,930, and blends of twoor more thereof; polyamides, polyamide-ethers, and polyamide-esters, andthose disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,187,864, 6,001,930, and 5,981,654,and blends of two or more thereof; thermosetting and thermoplasticpolyurethanes, polyureas, polyurethane-polyurea hybrids, and blends oftwo or more thereof; fluoropolymers, such as those disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,691,066, 6,747,110 and 7,009,002, and blends of two or morethereof; non-ionomeric acid polymers, such as E/Y- and E/X/Y-typecopolymers, wherein E is an olefin (e.g., ethylene), Y is a carboxylicacid such as acrylic, methacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric, oritaconic acid, and X is a softening comonomer such as vinyl esters ofaliphatic carboxylic acids wherein the acid has from 2 to 10 carbons,alkyl ethers wherein the alkyl group has from 1 to 10 carbons, and alkylalkylacrylates such as alkyl methacrylates wherein the alkyl group hasfrom 1 to 10 carbons; and blends of two or more thereof;metallocene-catalyzed polymers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,274,669, 5,919,862, 5,981,654, and 5,703,166, and blends of twoor more thereof; polystyrenes, such as poly(styrene-co-maleicanhydride), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, poly(styrene sulfonate),polyethylene styrene, and blends of two or more thereof; polypropylenesand polyethylenes, particularly grafted polypropylene and graftedpolyethylenes that are modified with a functional group, such as maleicanhydride of sulfonate, and blends of two or more thereof; polyvinylchlorides and grafted polyvinyl chlorides, and blends of two or morethereof; polyvinyl acetates, preferably having less than about 9% ofvinyl acetate by weight, and blends of two or more thereof;polycarbonates, blends of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene,blends of polycarbonate/polyurethane, blends of polycarbonate/polyester,and blends of two or more thereof; polyvinyl alcohols, and blends of twoor more thereof; polyethers, such as polyarylene ethers, polyphenyleneoxides, block copolymers of alkenyl aromatics with vinyl aromatics andpoly(amic ester)s, and blends of two or more thereof; polyimides,polyetherketones, polyamideimides, and blends of two or more thereof;polycarbonate/polyester copolymers and blends; and combinations of anytwo or more of the above polymers. Also suitable are the thermoplasticcompositions disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,919,100, 6,872,774 and7,074,137. The entire disclosure of each of the above references ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

Examples of suitable commercially available thermoplastics include, butare not limited to, Pebax® thermoplastic polyether block amides,commercially available from Arkema Inc.; Surlyn® ionomer resins, Hytrel®thermoplastic polyester elastomers, and ionomeric materials sold underthe trade names DuPont® HPF 1000 and HPF 2000, all of which arecommercially available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; Iotek®ionomers, commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company;Amplify® IO ionomers of ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, commerciallyavailable from The Dow Chemical Company; Clarix® ionomer resins,commercially available from A. Schulman Inc.; Elastollan®polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, commercially available fromBASF; and Xylex® polycarbonate/polyester blends, commercially availablefrom SABIC Innovative Plastics.

Additional materials suitable for forming the intermediate layer(s)include the core compositions disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,364, theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.For example, suitable materials include HNPs neutralized with organicfatty acids and salts thereof, metal cations, or a combination of both.In addition to HNPs neutralized with organic fatty acids and saltsthereof, core layer compositions may comprise at least one rubbermaterial having a resilience index of at least about 40. Preferably theresilience index is at least about 50. Polymers that produce resilientgolf balls and, therefore, are suitable for the present invention,include but are not limited to CB23, CB22, commercially available fromLANXESS® Corporation, BR60, commercially available from Enichem, and1207G, commercially available from Goodyear Corp. Additionally, theunvulcanized rubber, such as polybutadiene, in golf balls preparedaccording to the invention typically has a Mooney viscosity of betweenabout 40 and about 80, more preferably, between about 45 and about 65,and most preferably, between about 45 and about 55. Mooney viscosity istypically measured according to ASTM-D1646.

Also suitable for forming the intermediate layer(s) are thethermoplastic compositions disclosed herein as suitable for formingcover layers.

In a particular embodiment, the intermediate layer comprises a layerformed from a blend of two or more ionomers. In a particular aspect ofthis embodiment, the intermediate layer is formed from a 50 wt %/50 wt %blend of two different partially-neutralized ethylene/methacrylic acidcopolymers. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, theintermediate layer is formed from a composition comprising a blend of afirst high acid ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein thefirst high acid ionomer is optionally neutralized with a differentcation than the second high acid ionomer (e.g., 50 wt %/50 wt % blend ofSurlyn® 8150 and Surlyn® 9120, commercially available from E.I. du Pontde Nemours and Company), and wherein the composition optionally includesone or more melt flow modifiers such as an ionomer, ethylene-acidcopolymer or ester terpolymer.

In another particular embodiment, the intermediate layer comprises alayer formed from a blend of one or more ionomers and a maleicanhydride-grafted non-ionomeric polymer. In a particular aspect of thisembodiment, the non-ionomeric polymer is a metallocene-catalyzedpolymer. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, theintermediate layer is formed from a blend of a partially-neutralizedethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer and a maleic anhydride-graftedmetallocene-catalyzed polyethylene.

In another particular embodiment, the intermediate layer comprises atleast one layer formed from a composition selected from partially- andfully-neutralized ionomers, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes,polyureas, polyurethane/polyurea hybrids, fluoropolymers, and blends oftwo or more thereof. Particularly suitable are the “non-ionomericcompositions comprising a non-ionomeric stiffening polymer and at leastone E/Y copolymer or E/X/Y terpolymer” disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,872,774 and the hard, stiff core materials disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,074,137, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

In yet another particular embodiment, the intermediate layer comprises alayer formed from a composition selected from the group consisting ofpartially- and fully-neutralized ionomers, and blends of two or morethereof, optionally blended with a maleic anhydride-graftednon-ionomeric polymer; polyester elastomers; polyamide elastomers; andcombinations of two or more thereof.

The intermediate layer composition may be treated or admixed with athermoset diene composition to reduce or prevent flow upon overmolding.Optional treatments may also include the addition of peroxide to thematerial prior to molding, or a post-molding treatment with, forexample, a crosslinking solution, electron beam, gamma radiation,isocyanate or amine solution treatment, or the like. Such treatments mayprevent the intermediate layer from melting and flowing or “leaking” outat the mold equator, as a thermoset layer is molded thereon at atemperature necessary to crosslink the layer, which is typically from280° F. to 360° F. for a period of about 5 to 30 minutes.

In a particular embodiment, the intermediate layer is a thermoplasticcomposition, preferably selected from the hard and flexible compositionsdisclosed herein and the soft and stiff compositions disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference. Particularly suitable golfball constructions including a thermoplastic intermediate layer arefurther disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNos. 2008/0161130, 2008/0161132, 2008/0167733, 2009/0011864 and2009/0181801, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,722,482 and 7,753,810, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable thermoplastic intermediate layer compositions are furtherdisclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,919,100, 6,872,774 and7,074,137, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

A moisture vapor barrier layer is optionally employed between the coreand the cover. Moisture vapor barrier layers are further disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,632,147, 6,838,028, 6,932,720, 7,004,854,and 7,182,702, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.2003/0069082, 2003/0069085, 2003/0130062, 2004/0147344, 2004/0185963,2006/0068938, 2006/0128505 and 2007/0129172, the entire disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Cover

The outer cover layer may be formed, at least in part, from a hard andflexible composition of the present invention. For example, in oneembodiment, the outer cover layer includes about 1 percent to about 100percent by weight of a hard and flexible compositions of the presentinvention.

Additional suitable cover materials include, but are not limited to,polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids of polyurethane and polyurea;ionomer resins and blends thereof (e.g., Surlyn® ionomer resins andDuPont® HPF 1000 and HPF 2000, commercially available from E.I. du Pontde Nemours and Company; Iotek® ionomers, commercially available fromExxonMobil Chemical Company; Amplify® IO ionomers of ethylene acrylicacid copolymers, commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company;and Clarix® ionomer resins, commercially available from A. SchulmanInc.); polyethylene, including, for example, low density polyethylene,linear low density polyethylene, and high density polyethylene;polypropylene; rubber-toughened olefin polymers; acid copolymers, e.g.,ethylene(meth)acrylic acid; plastomers; flexomers;styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymers;styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene block copolymers; dynamicallyvulcanized elastomers; ethylene vinyl acetates; ethylene methylacrylates; polyvinyl chloride resins; polyamides, amide-esterelastomers, and graft copolymers of ionomer and polyamide, including,for example, Pebax® thermoplastic polyether block amides, commerciallyavailable from Arkema Inc; crosslinked trans-polyisoprene and blendsthereof; polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as Hytrel®,commercially available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company;polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as Elastollan®,commercially available from BASF; synthetic or natural vulcanizedrubber; and combinations thereof.

Polyurethanes, polyureas, and polyurethane-polyurea hybrids (i.e.,blends and copolymers of polyurethanes and polyureas) are particularlysuitable for forming cover layers of the present invention. Suitablepolyurethanes are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,334,673, 6,506,851, 6,756,436, 6,867,279, 6,960,630, and 7,105,623,the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference. Suitable polyureas are further disclosed, for example, inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,484,870 and 6,835,794, and U.S. Patent Application No.60/401,047, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference. Suitable polyurethane-urea cover materials includepolyurethane/polyurea blends and copolymers comprising urethane and ureasegments, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2007/0117923, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

Compositions comprising an ionomer or a blend of two or more ionomersare also particularly suitable for forming cover layers. Preferredionomeric cover compositions include:

-   -   (a) a composition comprising a “high acid ionomer” (i.e., having        an acid content of greater than 16 wt %), such as Surlyn 8150®;    -   (b) a composition comprising a high acid ionomer and a maleic        anhydride-grafted non-ionomeric polymer (e.g., Fusabond®        functionalized polymers). A particularly preferred blend of high        acid ionomer and maleic anhydride-grafted polymer is a 84 wt        %/16 wt % blend of Surlyn 8150® and Fusabond®. Blends of high        acid ionomers with maleic anhydride-grafted polymers are further        disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,992,135 and        6,677,401, the entire disclosures of which are hereby        incorporated herein by reference;    -   (c) a composition comprising a 50/45/5 blend of Surlyn®        8940/Surlyn® 9650/Nucrel® 960, preferably having a material        hardness of from 80 to 85 Shore C;    -   (d) a composition comprising a 50/25/25 blend of Surlyn®        8940/Surlyn® 9650/Surlyn® 9910, preferably having a material        hardness of about 90 Shore C;    -   (e) a composition comprising a 50/50 blend of Surlyn®        8940/Surlyn® 9650, preferably having a material hardness of        about 86 Shore C;    -   (f) a composition comprising a blend of Surlyn® 7940/Surlyn®        8940, optionally including a melt flow modifier;    -   (g) a composition comprising a blend of a first high acid        ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein the first high        acid ionomer is neutralized with a different cation than the        second high acid ionomer (e.g., 50/50 blend of Surlyn® 8150 and        Surlyn® 9150), optionally including one or more melt flow        modifiers such as an ionomer, ethylene-acid copolymer or ester        terpolymer; and    -   (h) a composition comprising a blend of a first high acid        ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein the first high        acid ionomer is neutralized with a different cation than the        second high acid ionomer, and from 0 to 10 wt % of an        ethylene/acid/ester ionomer wherein the ethylene/acid/ester        ionomer is neutralized with the same cation as either the first        high acid ionomer or the second high acid ionomer or a different        cation than the first and second high acid ionomers (e.g., a        blend of 40-50 wt % Surlyn® 8140, 40-50 wt % Surlyn® 9120, and        0-10 wt % Surlyn® 6320).

Surlyn 8150®, Surlyn® 8940, and Surlyn® 8140 are different grades ofE/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have been partially neutralizedwith sodium ions. Surlyn® 9650, Surlyn® 9910, Surlyn® 9150, and Surlyn®9120 are different grades of E/MAA copolymer in which the acid groupshave been partially neutralized with zinc ions. Surlyn® 7940 is an E/MAAcopolymer in which the acid groups have been partially neutralized withlithium ions. Surlyn® 6320 is a very low modulus magnesium ionomer witha medium acid content. Nucrel® 960 is an E/MAA copolymer resin nominallymade with 15 wt % methacrylic acid. Surlyn® ionomers, Fusabond®polymers, and Nucrel® copolymers are commercially available from E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company.

Ionomeric cover compositions can be blended with non-ionic thermoplasticresins, particularly to manipulate product properties. Examples ofsuitable non-ionic thermoplastic resins include, but are not limited to,polyurethane, poly-ether-ester, poly-amide-ether, polyether-urea,thermoplastic polyether block amides (e.g., Pebax® block copolymers,commercially available from Arkema Inc.), styrene-butadiene-styreneblock copolymers, styrene(ethylene-butylene)-styrene block copolymers,polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene,ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyethylene-(meth)acrylate,polyethylene-(meth)acrylic acid, functionalized polymers with maleicanhydride grafting, Fusabond® functionalized polymers commerciallyavailable from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, functionalizedpolymers with epoxidation, elastomers (e.g., ethylene propylene dienemonomer rubber, metallocene-catalyzed polyolefin) and ground powders ofthermoset elastomers.

Ionomer golf ball cover compositions may include a flow modifier, suchas, but not limited to, acid copolymer resins (e.g., Nucrel® acidcopolymer resins, and particularly Nucrel® 960, commercially availablefrom E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company), performance additives (e.g.,A-C® performance additives, particularly A-C® low molecular weightionomers and copolymers, A-C® oxidized polyethylenes, and A-C® ethylenevinyl acetate waxes, commercially available from Honeywell InternationalInc.), fatty acid amides (e.g., ethylene bis-stearamide and ethylenebis-oleamide), fatty acids and salts thereof.

Suitable ionomeric cover materials are further disclosed, for example,in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,653,382, 6,756,436, 6,894,098, 6,919,393, and6,953,820, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

Cover compositions may include one or more filler(s), such as thefillers given above for rubber compositions of the present invention(e.g., titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, etc.), and/or additive(s), suchas coloring agents, fluorescent agents, whitening agents, antioxidants,dispersants, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, plasticizers, surfactants,compatibility agents, foaming agents, reinforcing agents, releaseagents, and the like.

In a particular embodiment, the cover is a single layer formed from afully aliphatic polyurea. In another particular embodiment, the cover isa single layer formed from a polyurea composition, preferably selectedfrom those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2009/0011868, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the cover is selected from:

-   -   (a) a single-layer cover formed from a hard and flexible        composition disclosed herein;    -   (b) a dual- or multi-layer cover comprising an inner cover layer        and an outer cover layer, wherein at least one of the inner        cover layer and the outer cover layer is formed from a hard and        flexible composition disclosed herein; and    -   (c) a dual- or multi-layer cover comprising an inner cover layer        and an outer cover layer, wherein one of the inner cover layer        and the outer cover layer is formed from a hard and flexible        composition as disclosed herein, and the other of the inner        cover layer and the outer cover layer is formed from a soft and        stiff composition as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.        No. 12/942,003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby        incorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the cover is a dual- or multi-layercover, selected from those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,688,191,5,759,676 and 6,220,972, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Suitable cover materials and constructions also include, but are notlimited to, those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2005/0164810, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,919,100, 6,117,025, 6,767,940, and6,960,630, and PCT Publications WO00/23519 and WO00/29129, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The cover may also be at least partially formed from a rubbercomposition discussed above as suitable for forming core layers.

Construction

As stated above, hard and flexible compositions of the present inventionmay be used with any type of ball construction including, but notlimited to, one-piece, two-piece, and multi-layer designs, as a corecomposition, intermediate layer composition, or cover composition,depending on the type of performance desired of the ball.

In a particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to a golfball comprising a core and a single cover layer, wherein the singlecover layer is formed from a hard and flexible composition disclosedherein. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the single coverlayer has a thickness of from 0.020 inches to 0.150 inches. In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, the core is a solid, thermosetrubber core, preferably having a center hardness within a range having alower limit of 65 or 68 Shore C and an upper limit of 77 or 80 Shore C,and preferably having a surface hardness within a range having a lowerlimit of 60 or 66 Shore C and an upper limit of 75 or 89 Shore C.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover includes atleast one layer formed from a hard and flexible composition disclosedherein. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the cover is a singlecover layer having a thickness of from 0.020 inches to 0.150 inches. Inanother particular aspect of this embodiment, the core is a solid,single-layer core, preferably having a thickness within a range having alower limit of 1.500 or 1.510 or 1.520 or 1.530 or 1.540 or 1.545 inchesand an upper limit of 1.550 or 1.560 or 1.570 or 1.600 inches. Inanother particular aspect of this embodiment, the core has a centerhardness within a range having a lower limit of 55 or 57 or 60 or 65Shore C and an upper limit of 65 or 70 Shore C, or a center hardness of70 Shore C or less, or 65 Shore C or less. In another particular aspectof this embodiment, the core has a surface hardness within a rangehaving a lower limit of 65 or 70 or 75 or 80 Shore C and an upper limitof 75 or 80 or 85 Shore C, or a surface hardness of 90 Shore C or less,or 85 Shore C or less, or 80 Shore C or less. In another particularaspect of this embodiment, the core has a compression of 75 or less, or70 or less, or 65 or less, or 60 or less, or 55 or less. In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, the core has a negative, low orzero hardness gradient as disclosed above. In another particular aspectof this embodiment, the cover has a Shore D hardness within a rangehaving a lower limit of 55 or 60 or 61 and an upper limit of 65 or 66 or68.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover comprises aninner cover layer and an outer cover layer. In a particular aspect ofthis embodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a hard andflexible composition disclosed herein, and the outer cover layerpreferably has a hardness greater than that of the inner cover layer. Ina particular aspect of this embodiment, the outer cover layer is formedfrom a hard and flexible composition disclosed herein, and the outercover layer preferably has a hardness less than that of the inner coverlayer. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the inner coverlayer is formed from a hard and flexible composition disclosed herein,and the inner cover layer preferably has a hardness greater than that ofthe outer cover layer. In another particular aspect of this embodiment,the inner cover layer is formed from a hard and flexible compositiondisclosed herein, and the inner cover layer preferably has a hardnessless than that of the outer cover layer.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover comprises aninner cover layer, an outer cover layer, and an intermediate cover layerdisposed between the inner and outer cover layers. In a particularaspect of this embodiment, the intermediate cover layer is formed from ahard and flexible composition disclosed herein.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover comprises afirst layer formed from a first hard and flexible composition and asecond layer formed from a second hard and flexible composition, andwherein the first and second hard and flexible compositions havedifferent hardnesses.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core comprises alayer formed from a hard and flexible composition disclosed herein. In aparticular aspect of this embodiment, the core comprises an inner corelayer, an outer core layer, and an intermediate core layer disposedbetween the inner and outer core layers, wherein at least one of theinner core layer, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer isformed from a hard and flexible composition disclosed herein. In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, the core comprises an inner corelayer, an outer core layer, and an intermediate core layer disposedbetween the inner and outer core layers, wherein the inner core layerand the outer core layer are formed from the same or different thermosetrubber compositions, preferably selected from diene rubbers, and whereinthe intermediate core layer is formed from a hard and flexiblecomposition disclosed herein.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core is a single-,dual- or multi-layer core including at least one core layer having anegative, low or zero hardness gradient as disclosed above, and whereinthe cover is a single-, dual- or multi-layer cover including at leastone cover layer formed from a hard and flexible composition disclosedherein, and optionally including at least one cover layer formed from asoft and stiff composition as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/942,003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core is amulti-layer core comprising a center, an intermediate core layer, and anouter core layer, wherein the intermediate core layer is formed from ahard and flexible composition disclosed herein. In a particular aspectof this embodiment, the center is formed from a thermoset rubbercomposition and the outer core layer is formed from the same or adifferent thermoset rubber composition, and, optionally, the centerand/or the outer core layer and/or the overall core has a negative, lowor zero hardness gradient as disclosed above. The cover is a single-,dual-, or multi-layer cover and optionally includes a layer formed froma hard and flexible composition disclosed herein and/or a layer formedfrom a soft and stiff composition as disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/942,003, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core is a single-,dual-, or multi-layer core and includes an innermost core layer formedfrom a thermoplastic composition as disclosed above, and, optionally,the thermoplastic composition of the innermost core layer is a hard andflexible composition disclosed herein. In a particular aspect of thisembodiment, the innermost core layer has a diameter of 1.50 inches ofless, or a diameter within a range having a lower limit of 0.80 inchesand an upper limit of 1.40 inches. In another particular aspect of thisembodiment, the innermost core layer has a compression of 50 or less, ora compression within a range having a lower limit of 25 or 30 or 50 or60 or 65 and an upper limit of 85 and 90. In another particular aspectof this embodiment, the golf ball additionally comprises an intermediatelayer disposed between the innermost core layer and the cover, and,preferably, the intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.09 inches orgreater, or 0.11 inches or greater, or a thickness of from 0.09 inchesto 0.18 inches. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, thecover includes at least one layer formed from a thermoplasticcomposition selected from the hard and flexible compositions disclosedherein and the soft and stiff compositions disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/942,003, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core is a dual- ormulti-layer core and includes an outer core layer formed from athermoplastic composition as disclosed above, and, optionally, thethermoplastic composition of the outer core layer is a hard and flexiblecomposition disclosed herein. In a particular aspect of this embodiment,the cover includes at least one layer formed from a thermoplasticcomposition selected from the hard and flexible compositions disclosedherein and the soft and stiff compositions disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/942,003, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core is amulti-layer core comprising a thermoplastic center, an intermediate corelayer, and a thermoplastic outer core layer, wherein the center and/orthe outer core layer is formed from a composition selected from the hardand flexible compositions disclosed herein and the soft and stiffcompositions disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the center isformed from a hard and flexible composition disclosed herein, and theouter core layer is optionally formed from a soft and stiff compositiondisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003. In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, the outer core layer is formedfrom a hard and flexible composition disclosed herein, and the center isoptionally formed from a soft and stiff composition disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003. In another particularembodiment, the center is formed from a hard and flexible compositiondisclosed herein, and the outer core layer is formed from the same or adifferent hard and flexible composition. In another particular aspect ofthis embodiment, the intermediate core layer is formed from a thermosetrubber composition and has a negative, low or zero hardness gradient asdisclosed above. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, thecover is a single-, dual-, or multi-layer cover and optionally includesa layer formed from a hard and flexible composition disclosed hereinand/or a layer formed from a soft and stiff composition as disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003, the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a dual-layer core and a cover, wherein thedual-layer core includes a thermoplastic center and a thermoplasticouter core layer, and wherein the center and/or the outer core layer isformed from a composition selected from the hard and flexiblecompositions disclosed herein and the soft and stiff compositionsdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In aparticular aspect of this environment, the center is formed from a hardand flexible composition disclosed herein, and, optionally, the outercore layer is formed from a soft and stiff composition disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003. In another particular aspect ofthis environment, the outer core layer is formed from a hard andflexible composition disclosed herein, and, optionally, the center isformed from a soft and stiff composition disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/942,003. In another particular aspect of thisembodiment, the center and the outer core layer are formed from the sameor different hard and flexible compositions disclosed herein. In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, the cover is a single-, dual-, ormulti-layer cover and optionally includes a layer formed from a hard andflexible composition disclosed herein and/or a layer formed from a softand stiff composition as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/942,003. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the centerhas a diameter within the range having a lower limit of 0.500 or 0.750or 1.000 inches and an upper limit of 1.550 or 1.570 or 1.580 inches andthe outer core has a thickness within the range having a lower limit of0.020 or 0.025 or 0.032 inches and an upper limit of 0.310 or 0.440 or0.560 inches. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, thecenter has an Atti compression of 80 or less, or 70 or less, or 65 orless. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the center has anAtti compression of at least 80, and preferably has an Atti compressionwithin the range having a lower limit of 80 or 90 or 100 and an upperlimit of 130 or 140. In another particular aspect of this embodiment,the cover is a single layer having a thickness within the range having alower limit of 0.020 or 0.025 or 0.030 inches and an upper limit of0.065 or 0.080 or 0.090 inches. In another particular aspect of thisembodiment, the cover is a dual-layer cover having an overall thicknesswithin the range having a lower limit of 0.020 or 0.025 or 0.060 inchesand an upper limit of 0.075 or 0.090 or 0.110 inches.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer, and an outer coverlayer, wherein the outer cover layer is soft relative to the inner coverlayer, and wherein at least one of the inner cover layer and the outercover layer is formed from a composition selected from hard and flexiblecompositions disclosed herein and soft and stiff compositions disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003, the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In a particular aspectof this embodiment, the outer cover layer has a hardness of 65 Shore Dor less, or 60 Shore D or less, or 55 Shore D or less, or 52 Shore D orless. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the inner coverlayer has a hardness of 60 Shore D or greater, or 65 Shore D or greater,or 67 Shore D or greater. In another particular aspect of thisembodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a composition selectedfrom the hard and flexible compositions disclosed herein and soft andstiff compositions disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/942,003, and the inner cover layer is formed from a ionomer blendcomposition, such as a blend of Surlyn® 7940/Surlyn® 8940, optionallyincluding a melt flow modifier; a blend of a first high acid ionomer anda second high acid ionomer, wherein the first high acid ionomer isneutralized with a different cation than the second high acid ionomer(e.g., 50/50 blend of Surlyn® 8150 and Surlyn® 9150), optionallyincluding one or more melt flow modifiers such as an ionomer,ethylene-acid copolymer or ester terpolymer; and a blend of a first highacid ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein the first high acidionomer is neutralized with a different cation than the second high acidionomer, and from 0 to 10 wt % of an ethylene/acid/ester ionomer whereinthe ethylene/acid/ester ionomer is neutralized with the same cation aseither the first high acid ionomer or the second high acid ionomer or adifferent cation than the first and second high acid ionomers (e.g., ablend of 40-50 wt % Surlyn® 8140, 40-50 wt % Surlyn® 9120, and 0-10 wt %Surlyn® 6320). In another particular aspect of this embodiment, theinner cover layer is formed from a composition selected from the hardand flexible compositions disclosed herein and soft and stiffcompositions disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003,and the outer cover layer is formed from a composition selected fromhighly neutralized ionomers comprising fatty acid salts, such as DuPont®HPF 1000 and HPF 2000; VLMI-type ionomers, such as Surlyn® 9320 ionomer;polyester elastomers, such as Hytrel® polyester elastomers; andpolyether block amides, such as Pebax® polyether block amides.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer, and an outer coverlayer, wherein the outer cover layer is hard relative to the inner coverlayer, and wherein at least one of the inner cover layer and the outercover layer is formed from a composition selected from hard and flexiblecompositions disclosed herein and soft and stiff compositions disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003, the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In a particular aspectof this embodiment, the outer cover layer has a hardness of 60 Shore Dor greater, or 65 Shore D or greater, or 67 Shore D or greater, or 70Shore D or greater. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, theinner cover layer has a hardness of 65 Shore D or less, or 60 Shore D orless, or 55 Shore D or less, or 52 Shore D or less, or 50 Shore D orless, or 47 Shore D or less, or 45 Shore D or less. In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, the inner cover layer is formedfrom a composition selected from the hard and flexible compositionsdisclosed herein and soft and stiff compositions disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003, and the outer cover layer isformed from an ionomer blend composition, such as a blend of Surlyn®7940/Surlyn® 8940, optionally including a melt flow modifier; a blend ofa first high acid ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein thefirst high acid ionomer is neutralized with a different cation than thesecond high acid ionomer (e.g., 50/50 blend of Surlyn® 8150 and Surlyn®9150), optionally including one or more melt flow modifiers such as anionomer, ethylene-acid copolymer or ester terpolymer; and a blend of afirst high acid ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein thefirst high acid ionomer is neutralized with a different cation than thesecond high acid ionomer, and from 0 to 10 wt % of anethylene/acid/ester ionomer wherein the ethylene/acid/ester ionomer isneutralized with the same cation as either the first high acid ionomeror the second high acid ionomer or a different cation than the first andsecond high acid ionomers (e.g., a blend of 40-50 wt % Surlyn® 8140,40-50 wt % Surlyn® 9120, and 0-10 wt % Surlyn® 6320). In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, the outer cover layer is formedfrom a composition selected from the hard and flexible compositionsdisclosed herein and soft and stiff compositions disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003, and the inner cover layer isformed from a composition selected from highly neutralized ionomerscomprising fatty acid salts, such as DuPont® HPF 1000 and HPF 2000;VLMI-type ionomers, such as Surlyn® 9320 ionomer; polyester elastomers,such as Hytrel® polyester elastomers; and polyether block amides, suchas Pebax® polyether block amides.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention is directed to agolf ball comprising a core, an outer cover layer, and at least oneintermediate layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer;wherein the outer cover layer is formed from a composition selected frompolyurethanes, polyureas, and blends and hybrids thereof; and wherein atleast one intermediate layer is formed from a composition selected fromhard and flexible compositions disclosed herein and soft and hardcompositions disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/942,003,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the core is asolid, single layer core, preferably formed from a thermoset rubbercomposition, and preferably having a diameter of 1.600 inches or less,or a diameter within a range having a lower limit of 1.450 or 1.500inches and an upper limit of 1.550 or 1.600 inches. In anotherparticular aspect of this embodiment, the core is a dual layer core,preferably comprising a thermoset rubber center and a thermoset rubberouter core layer, and preferably having an overall dual core diameter of1.600 inches or less, or an overall dual core diameter within a rangehaving a lower limit of 1.450 or 1.500 inches and an upper limit of1.550 or 1.600 inches. In another particular aspect of this embodiment,the intermediate layer has a thickness within a range having a lowerlimit of 0.020 or 0.030 or 0.035 inches and an upper limit of 0.035 or0.040 or 0.045 or 0.050 inches. In another particular aspect of thisembodiment, the outer cover layer has a thickness within a range havinga lower limit of 0.015 or 0.020 or 0.025 or 0.030 inches and an upperlimit of 0.030 or 0.035 or 0.040 or 0.045 or 0.050 inches.

Non-limiting examples of suitable types of ball constructions that maybe used with the present invention include those described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,056,842, 5,688,191, 5,713,801, 5,803,831, 5,885,172, 5,919,100,5,965,669, 5,981,654, 5,981,658, and 6,149,535, as well as in U.S.Patent Publication Nos. 2001/0009310, 2002/0025862, and 2002/0028885.The entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

The present invention is not limited by any particular process forforming the golf ball layer(s). It should be understood that thelayer(s) can be formed by any suitable technique, including injectionmolding, compression molding, casting, and reaction injection molding.

Thermoplastic layers herein may be treated in such a manner as to createa positive or negative hardness gradient. In golf ball layers of thepresent invention wherein a thermosetting rubber is used,gradient-producing processes and/or gradient-producing rubberformulation may be employed. Gradient-producing processes andformulations are disclosed more fully, for example, in U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 12/048,665, filed on Mar. 14, 2008; 11/829,461,filed on Jul. 27, 2007; 11/772,903, filed Jul. 3, 2007; 11/832,163,filed Aug. 1, 2007; 11/832,197, filed on Aug. 1, 2007; the entiredisclosure of each of these references is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

Dimples

The use of various dimple patterns and profiles provides a relativelyeffective way to modify the aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball.As such, the manner in which the dimples are arranged on the surface ofthe ball can be by any available method. Golf balls of the presentinvention typically have dimple coverage of 60% or greater, or 65% orgreater, or 75% or greater, or 80% or greater, or 85% or greater.

Golf Ball Post-Processing

The golf balls of the present invention may be painted, coated, orsurface treated for further benefits.

For example, golf balls covers frequently contain a fluorescent materialand/or a dye or pigment to achieve the desired color characteristics. Agolf ball of the invention may also be treated with a base resin paintcomposition. In addition, the golf ball may be coated with a compositionincluding a whitening agent. For example, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2002/0082358, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference, uses a derivative of7-triazinylamino-3-phenylcoumarin as a fluorescent whitening agent toprovide improved weather resistance and brightness.

In one embodiment, golf balls of the present invention are UV cured.Suitable methods for UV curing are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,500,495, 6,248,804, and 6,099,415, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the top coatis UV curable. In another embodiment, the ink is UV curable and may beused as a paint layer or as a discrete marking tool for logos andindicias.

In addition, trademarks or other indicia may be stamped, i.e.,pad-printed, on the outer surface of the ball cover, and the stampedouter surface is then treated with at least one clear coat to give theball a glossy finish and protect the indicia stamped on the cover.

Golf balls of the present invention may also be subjected to dyesublimation, wherein at least one golf ball component is subjected to atleast one sublimating ink that migrates at a depth into the outersurface and forms an indicia. The at least one sublimating inkpreferably includes at least one of an azo dye, a nitroarylamine dye, oran anthraquinone dye. U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,240, the entire disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Laser marking of a selected surface portion of a golf ball causing thelaser light-irradiated portion to change color is also contemplated foruse with the present invention. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,248,878 and 6,075,223generally disclose such methods, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the golf balls maybe subjected to ablation, i.e., directing a beam of laser radiation ontoa portion of the cover, irradiating the cover portion, wherein theirradiated cover portion is ablated to form a detectable mark, whereinno significant discoloration of the cover portion results therefrom.Ablation is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,462,303, the entire disclosureof which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Protective and decorative coating materials, as well as methods ofapplying such materials to the surface of a golf ball cover are wellknown in the golf ball art. Generally, such coating materials compriseurethanes, urethane hybrids, epoxies, polyesters and acrylics. Ifdesired, more than one coating layer can be used. The coating layer(s)may be applied by any suitable method known to those of ordinary skillin the art. In one embodiment, the coating layer(s) is applied to thegolf ball cover by an in-mold coating process, such as described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,849,168, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

The use of the saturated polyurea and polyurethane compositions in golfequipment obviates the need for typical post-processing, e.g., coating agolf ball with a pigmented coating prior to applying a clear topcoat tothe ball. Unlike compositions with no light stable properties, thecompositions used in forming the golf equipment of the present inventiondo not discolor upon exposure to light (especially in the case ofextended exposure). Also, by eliminating at least one coating step, themanufacturer realizes economic benefits in terms of reduced processtimes and consequent improved labor efficiency. Further, significantreduction in volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”), typical constituentsof paint, may be realized through the use of the present invention,offering significant environmental benefits.

Thus, while it is not necessary to use pigmented coating on the golfballs of the present invention when formed with the saturatedcompositions, the golf balls of the present invention may be painted,coated, or surface treated for further benefits. For example, the valueof golf balls made according to the invention and painted offer enhancedcolor stability as degradation of the surface paint occurs during thenormal course of play. The mainstream technique used nowadays forhighlighting whiteness is to form a cover toned white with titaniumdioxide, subjecting the cover to such surface treatment as coronatreatment, plasma treatment, UV treatment, flame treatment, or electronbeam treatment, and applying one or more layers of clear paint, whichmay contain a fluorescent whitening agent. This technique is productiveand cost effective.

Golf Ball Properties

The properties such as hardness, modulus, core diameter, intermediatelayer thickness and cover layer thickness of the golf balls of thepresent invention have been found to effect play characteristics such asspin, initial velocity and feel of the present golf balls. For example,the flexural and/or tensile modulus of the intermediate layer arebelieved to have an effect on the “feel” of the golf balls of thepresent invention. It should be understood that the ranges herein aremeant to be intermixed with each other, i.e., the low end of one rangemay be combined with a high end of another range.

Component Dimensions

Dimensions of golf ball components, i.e., thickness and diameter, mayvary depending on the desired properties. For the purposes of theinvention, any layer thickness may be employed. Non-limiting examples ofthe various embodiments outlined above are provided here with respect tolayer dimensions.

The present invention relates to golf balls of any size. While USGAspecifications limit the size of a competition golf ball to more than1.68 inches in diameter, golf balls of any size can be used for leisuregolf play. The preferred diameter of the golf balls is from about 1.68inches to about 1.8 inches. The more preferred diameter is from about1.68 inches to about 1.76 inches. A diameter of from about 1.68 inchesto about 1.74 inches is most preferred, however diameters anywhere inthe range of from 1.7 to about 1.95 inches can be used. Preferably, theoverall diameter of the core and all intermediate layers is about 80percent to about 98 percent of the overall diameter of the finishedball.

The core typically has a diameter ranging from 0.09 inches to 1.65inches. In one embodiment, the diameter of the core of the presentinvention is within a range having a lower limit of 1.20 or 1.30 or 1.50or 1.53 or 1.55 inches and an upper limit of 1.55 or 1.60 or 1.63 or1.65 inches.

The core of the golf ball may be extremely large in relation to the restof the ball. For example, in one embodiment, the core makes up about 90percent to about 98 percent of the ball, preferably about 94 percent toabout 96 percent of the ball. In this embodiment, the diameter of thecore is within a range having a lower limit of 1.54 or 1.55 or 1.59inches and an upper limit of 1.64 inches.

When the core includes an inner core layer and an outer core layer, theinner core layer is preferably 0.9 inches or greater and the outer corelayer preferably has a thickness of 0.1 inches or greater. In aparticular embodiment, the inner core layer has a diameter within arange having a lower limit of 0.090 or 0.095 inches and an upper limitof 1.10 or 1.20 inches, and the outer core layer has a thickness withina range having a lower limit of 0.10 or 0.20 inches and an upper limitof 0.30 or 0.5 or 0.8 inches.

The cover typically has a thickness to provide sufficient strength, goodperformance characteristics, and durability. In a particular embodiment,the cover thickness is within a range having a lower limit of 0.020 or0.025 or 0.030 inches and an upper limit of 0.030 or 0.040 or 0.045 or0.050 or 0.070 or 0.100 or 0.120 or 0.350 or 0.400 or inches.

The range of thicknesses for an intermediate layer of a golf ball islarge because of the vast possibilities when using an intermediatelayer, i.e., as an inner cover layer, a wound layer, a moisture/vaporbarrier layer, etc. When used in a golf ball of the present invention,the intermediate layer typically has a thickness about 0.3 inches orless. In a particular embodiment, the thickness of the intermediatelayer is within a range having a lower limit of 0.002 or 0.010 or 0.020or 0.025 or 0.030 inches and an upper limit of 0.035 or 0.040 or 0.045or 0.050 or 0.060 or 0.090 or 0.100 inches

The ratio of the thickness of the intermediate layer to the outer coverlayer is preferably about 10 or less, preferably from about 3 or less.In another embodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the intermediatelayer to the outer cover layer is about 1 or less.

The core and intermediate layer(s) together form an inner ballpreferably having a diameter of about 1.48 inches or greater for a1.68-inch ball. In one embodiment, the inner ball of a 1.68-inch ballhas a diameter of about 1.52 inches or greater. In another embodiment,the inner ball of a 1.68-inch ball has a diameter of about 1.66 inchesor less. In yet another embodiment, a 1.72-inch (or more) ball has aninner ball diameter of about 1.50 inches or greater. In still anotherembodiment, the diameter of the inner ball for a 1.72-inch ball is about1.70 inches or less.

Hardness

The cores of the present invention may have varying hardnesses dependingon the particular golf ball construction. In one embodiment, the corehardness is at least about 15 Shore A, preferably about 30 Shore A, asmeasured on a formed sphere. In another embodiment, the core has ahardness of about 50 Shore A to about 90 Shore D. In yet anotherembodiment, the hardness of the core is about 80 Shore D or less.Preferably, the core has a hardness about 30 to about 65 Shore D, andmore preferably, the core has a hardness about 35 to about 60 Shore D.

The intermediate layer(s) of the present invention may also vary inhardness depending on the specific construction of the ball. In oneembodiment, the hardness of the intermediate layer is about 30 Shore Dor greater. In another embodiment, the hardness of the intermediatelayer is about 90 Shore D or less, preferably about 80 Shore D or less,and more preferably about 70 Shore D or less. In yet another embodiment,the hardness of the intermediate layer is about 50 Shore D or greater,preferably about 55 Shore D or greater. In one embodiment, theintermediate layer hardness is from about 55 Shore D to about 65 ShoreD. The intermediate layer may also be about 65 Shore D or greater.

When the intermediate layer is intended to be harder than the corelayer, the ratio of the intermediate layer hardness to the core hardnesspreferably about 2 or less. In one embodiment, the ratio is about 1.8 orless. In yet another embodiment, the ratio is about 1.3 or less.

As with the core and intermediate layers, the cover hardness may varydepending on the construction and desired characteristics of the golfball. The ratio of cover hardness to inner ball hardness is a primaryvariable used to control the aerodynamics of a ball and, in particular,the spin of a ball. In general, the harder the inner ball, the greaterthe driver spin and the softer the cover, the greater the driver spin.

For example, when the intermediate layer is intended to be the hardestpoint in the ball, e.g., about 50 Shore D to about 75 Shore D, the covermaterial may have a hardness of about 20 Shore D or greater, preferablyabout 25 Shore D or greater, and more preferably about 30 Shore D orgreater, as measured on the slab. In another embodiment, the coveritself has a hardness of about 30 Shore D or greater. In particular, thecover may be from about 30 Shore D to about 70 Shore D. In oneembodiment, the cover has a hardness of about 40 Shore D to about 65Shore D, and in another embodiment, about 40 Shore to about 55 Shore D.In another aspect of the invention, the cover has a hardness less thanabout 45 Shore D, preferably less than about 40 Shore D, and morepreferably about 25 Shore D to about 40 Shore D. In one embodiment, thecover has a hardness from about 30 Shore D to about 40 Shore D.

In this embodiment when the outer cover layer is softer than theintermediate layer or inner cover layer, the ratio of the Shore Dhardness of the outer cover material to the intermediate layer materialis about 0.8 or less, preferably about 0.75 or less, and more preferablyabout 0.7 or less. In another embodiment, the ratio is about 0.5 orless, preferably about 0.45 or less.

In yet another embodiment, the ratio is about 0.1 or less when the coverand intermediate layer materials have hardnesses that are substantiallythe same. When the hardness differential between the cover layer and theintermediate layer is not intended to be as significant, the cover mayhave a hardness of about 55 Shore D to about 65 Shore D. In thisembodiment, the ratio of the Shore D hardness of the outer cover to theintermediate layer is about 1.0 or less, preferably about 0.9 or less.

The cover hardness may also be defined in terms of Shore C. For example,the cover may have a hardness of about 70 Shore C or greater, preferablyabout 80 Shore C or greater. In another embodiment, the cover has ahardness of about 95 Shore C or less, preferably about 90 Shore C orless.

In another embodiment, the cover layer is harder than the intermediatelayer. In this design, the ratio of Shore D hardness of the cover layerto the intermediate layer is about 1.33 or less, preferably from about1.14 or less.

When a two-piece ball is constructed, the core may be softer than theouter cover. For example, the core hardness may range from about 30Shore D to about 50 Shore D, and the cover hardness may be from about 50Shore D to about 80 Shore D. In this type of construction, the ratiobetween the cover hardness and the core hardness is preferably about1.75 or less. In another embodiment, the ratio is about 1.55 or less.Depending on the materials, for example, if a composition of theinvention is acid-functionalized wherein the acid groups are at leastpartially neutralized, the hardness ratio of the cover to core ispreferably about 1.25 or less.

Initial Velocity and COR

There is currently no USGA limit on the COR of a golf ball, but theinitial velocity of the golf ball cannot exceed 250±5 feet/second(ft/s). Thus, in one embodiment, the initial velocity is about 245 ft/sor greater and about 255 ft/s or greater. In another embodiment, theinitial velocity is about 250 ft/s or greater. In one embodiment, theinitial velocity is about 253 ft/s to about 254 ft/s. In yet anotherembodiment, the initial velocity is about 255 ft/s. While the currentrules on initial velocity require that golf ball manufacturers staywithin the limit, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate thatthe golf ball of the invention would readily convert into a golf ballwith initial velocity outside of this range.

As a result, of the initial velocity limitation set forth by the USGA,the goal is to maximize COR without violating the 255 ft/s limit. TheCOR of a ball is measured by taking the ratio of the outbound or reboundvelocity to the incoming or inbound velocity. In a one-piece solid golfball, the COR will depend on a variety of characteristics of the ball,including its composition and hardness. For a given composition, CORwill generally increase as hardness is increased. In a two-piece solidgolf ball, e.g., a core and a cover, one of the purposes of the cover isto produce a gain in COR over that of the core. When the contribution ofthe core to high COR is substantial, a lesser contribution is requiredfrom the cover. Similarly, when the cover contributes substantially tohigh COR of the ball, a lesser contribution is needed from the core.

The present invention contemplates golf balls having CORs from about0.700 to about 0.850 at an inbound velocity of about 125 ft/sec. In oneembodiment, the COR is about 0.750 or greater, preferably about 0.780 orgreater. In another embodiment, the ball has a COR of about 0.800 orgreater. In yet another embodiment, the COR of the balls of theinvention is about 0.800 to about 0.815.

In addition, the inner ball preferably has a COR of about 0.780 or more.In one embodiment, the COR is about 0.790 or greater.

Spin Rate

As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the spin rate of a golfball will vary depending on the golf ball construction. In a multilayerball, e.g., a core, an intermediate layer, and a cover, wherein thecover is formed from the polyurea or polyurethane compositions of theinvention, the spin rate of the ball off a driver (“driver spin rate”)is preferably about 2700 rpm or greater. In one embodiment, the driverspin rate is about 2800 rpm to about 3500 rpm. In another embodiment,the driver spin rate is about 2900 rpm to about 3400 rpm. In stillanother embodiment, the driver spin rate may be less than about 2700rpm.

Two-piece balls made according to the invention may also have driverspin rates of 2700 rpm and greater. In one embodiment, the driver spinrate is about 2700 rpm to about 3300 rpm. Wound balls made according tothe invention may have similar spin rates.

Methods of determining the spin rate should be well understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Examples of methods for determining thespin rate are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,500,073, 6,488,591,6,286,364, and 6,241,622, which are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety.

EXAMPLES

It should be understood that the examples below are for illustrativepurposes only. In no manner is the present invention limited to thespecific disclosures therein.

Various compositions were melt blended using components as given inTable 1 below. The relative amounts of each component used are alsoindicated in Table 1 below, and are reported in wt %, based on the totalweight of the composition, unless otherwise indicated.

Flex modulus of each composition was measured according to the followingprocedure, and the results are reported in Table 1 below. Flex bars areprepared by compression molding the composition under sufficienttemperature and pressure for a sufficient amount of time to producevoid- and defect-free plaques of appropriate dimensions to produce therequired flex bars. The flex bar dimensions are about 0.125 inches byabout 0.5 inches, and of a length sufficient to satisfy the testrequirements. Flex bars are died out from the compression moldedplaque(s) soon after the blend composition has reached room temperature.The flex bars are then aged for 14 days at 23° C. and 50% RH beforetesting. Flex modulus is then measured according to ASTM D790-03Procedure B, using a load span of 1.0 inches, a support span length of2.0 inches, a support span-to-depth ratio of 16:1 and a crosshead rateof 0.5 inches/minute. The support and loading noses are a radius of 5mm.

Hardness of each composition was measured according to the followingprocedure, and the results are reported in Table 1 below. Hardnessbuttons are compression molded under sufficient temperature and pressurefor a sufficient amount of time to produce void- and defect-free parts.The buttons are surface ground soon after the part reaches roomtemperature after demolding, to produce smooth, flat and parallelsurfaces. The finished buttons are approximately 1.25 inches in diameterand at least 6 mm in thickness. The buttons are then aged for 10 days at23° C. in a dessicator before testing. ASTM D2240 Shore D and JIS C(K6301 Type) measurements are made using a digital durometer set to peakmode, and an automatic loading stand which is properly mounted andcalibrated. The automatic stand has a travel speed of approximately 25mm/sec.

Melt flow of each composition was measured according to ASTM D-1238,condition E, at 190° C., using a 2.16 kg or 5 kg weight (as indicated),and the results are reported in Table 2 below.

TABLE 1 Flex Component Component Component Component Component JIS-CShore D Mod Ex. 1 wt % 2 wt % 3 wt % 4 5 Hardness Hardness (ksi) 1Surlyn 90 Akroflock 10 * * * 9945 CDV-2 2 Surlyn 90 Akroflock 10 * *62.3 9945 ND-109 3 Surlyn 60 Amplify 20 Fusabond 20 87.0 57.3 50.8 9945GR204 525D 4 Surlyn 60 Amplify 30 Fusabond 10 * * * 9945 GR204 525D 5Surlyn 56.7 Amplify 28.3 Fusabond 15 * * * 9945 GR204 525D 6 Surlyn 53Amplify 27 Fusabond 20 * * * 9945 GR204 525D 7 Surlyn 37.5 Amplify 37.5Fusabond 25 * * * 9945 GR204 525D 8 Surlyn 35 Amplify 35 Fusabond30 * * * 9945 GR204 525D 9 Surlyn 32.5 Amplify 32.5 Fusabond 35 * * *9945 GR204 525D 10 Surlyn 75 Amplify 25 * * * 9945 GR204 11 Surlyn 40Amplify 40 Fusabond 20 89.1 60.4 61.6 9945 GR205 525D 12 Surlyn 42.5Amplify 42.5 Fusabond 15 91.2 62.1 66.2 9945 GR205 525D 13 Surlyn 45Amplify 45 Fusabond 10 91.6 63.1 79.7 9945 GR205 525D 14 Surlyn 60Amplify 20 Fusabond 20 87.8 59.2 48.3 9945 GR205 525D 15 Surlyn 63.75Amplify 21.25 Fusabond 15 89.7 61.8 58.4 9945 GR205 525D 16 Surlyn 67.5Amplify 22.5 Fusabond 10 90.7 62.2 62.8 9945 GR205 525D 17 Surlyn 60Amplify 20 Fusabond 20 * * 44.2 9945 GR205 525D 18 Surlyn 50 Amplify 5093.1 65.7 105.5  9945 GR205 19 Surlyn 75 Amplify 25 93.1 65.3 75.3 9945GR205 20 Surlyn 50 Amplify 50 * * 119.0  9945 GR205 21 Surlyn 70 Amplify30 85.8 58.1 34.7 8150 GR216 22 Surlyn 75 Amplify 25 87.2 59.5 37.4 8150GR216 23 Surlyn 80 Amplify 20 89.4 62.7 44.8 8150 GR216 24 Clarix 85Carbon 15 87.5 59.9 * 011370-01 Black 25 Surlyn 54 Clarix 46 88.4 61.8 *9910 011370-01 26 Surlyn 54 Clarix 46 Carbon 8 90.2 63.8 * 9910011370-01 Black pph 27 Surlyn 54 Clarix 46 Carbon 4 90.4 64.0 * 9910011370-01 Black pph 28 Clarix 45 Clarix 45 Fusabond 10 92.4 64.2 55.8111704-01 211702-01 525D 29 Clarix 42.5 Clarix 42.5 Fusabond 15 92.565.8 57.1 111704-01 211702-01 525D 30 Clarix 40 Clarix 40 Fusabond 2091.5 64.5 49.6 111704-01 211702-01 525D 31 Clarix 50 Clarix 50 94.9 68.774.3 111704-01 211702-01 32 Clarix 45 Clarix 5152 45 Fusabond 10 88.860.6 42.8 2155 525D 33 Clarix 42.5 Clarix 5152 42.5 Fusabond 15 88.560.6 40.3 2155 525D 34 Clarix 40 Clarix 5152 40 Fusabond 20 86.2 59.732.4 2155 525D 35 Clarix 50 Clarix 5152 50 91.0 64.6 51.9 2155 36 Surlyn97 Cloisite 3 91.0 63.8 75.3 9650 20A 37 Surlyn 94 Cloisite 6 91.7 65.385.9 9650 20A 38 Surlyn 91 Cloisite 9 92.2 65.9 97.3 9650 20A 39 Surlyn88 Cloisite 12 92.5 66.3 111.0  9650 20A 40 Surlyn 75 Cloisite 25 * * *8320 20A 41 Surlyn 91 Cloisite 9 * * * 9650 20A 42 Surlyn 88 Cloisite12 * * * 9650 20A 43 Surlyn 90 Fusabond 10 87.0 59.2 35.8 9650 525D 44Surlyn 79.5 Fusabond 17.5 Cloisite 3 87.1 57.4 46.5 9650 525D 20A 45Surlyn 77.1 Fusabond 16.9 Cloisite 6 87.8 58.6 48.9 9650 525D 20A 46Surlyn 74.6 Fusabond 16.4 Cloisite 9 88.4 59.4 60.1 9650 525D 20A 47Surlyn 72.2 Fusabond 15.8 Cloisite 12 88.9 59.9 72.6 9650 525D 20A 48Surlyn 74.6 Fusabond 16.4 Cloisite 9 * * * 9650 525D 20A 49 Surlyn 72.2Fusabond 15.8 Cloisite 12 * * * 9650 525D 20A 50 Surlyn 69.6 Fusabond24.4 Cloisite 6 * * * 9650 525D 20A 51 Surlyn 67.3 Fusabond 23.7Cloisite 9 * * * 9650 525D 20A 52 Surlyn 65.1 Fusabond 22.9 Cloisite12 * * * 9650 525D 20A 53 Surlyn 62.9 Fusabond 22.1 Cloisite 15 * * *9650 525D 20A 54 Surlyn 61.6 Fusabond 26.4 Cloisite 12 91.6 64.9 73.58150 525D 30B 55 Surlyn 63.7 Fusabond 27.3 Cloisite 9 90.8 63.9 66.88150 525D 30B 56 Surlyn 65.8 Fusabond 28.2 Cloisite 6 89.1 62.2 52.48150 525D 30B 57 Surlyn 67.9 Fusabond 29.1 Cloisite 3 88.0 60.5 41.58150 525D 30B 58 Surlyn 69 Fusabond 22 Glass Flake 9 89.3 62.4 60.6 8150525D 59 Surlyn 69 Fusabond 22 Milled 9 89.0 62.3 69.9 8150 525D Glass 60Amplify 57 Fusabond 38 Surlyn 5 * * * GR205 525D 9910 61 Amplify 66.5Fusabond 28.5 Surlyn 5 * * * GR205 525D 9910 62 Amplify 47.5 Fusabond47.5 Surlyn 5 * * * GR205 525D 9910 63 Amplify 37 Fusabond 58 Surlyn5 * * * GR205 525D 9910 64 Surlyn 69.6 Fusabond 24.4 Luzenac 6 * * *9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc 65 Surlyn 67.3 Fusabond 23.7 Luzenac 9 * * *9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc 66 Surlyn 65.1 Fusabond 22.9 Luzenac 12 * * *9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc 67 Surlyn 62.9 Fusabond 22.1 Luzenac 15 * * *9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc 68 Surlyn 76 Fusabond 24 88.5 60.7 * 8150 525D69 Surlyn 76 Fusabond 24 88.2 60.9 * 8150 525D 70 Surlyn 76 Fusabond 2489.0 59.9 * 8150 525D 71 Surlyn 76.75 Fusabond 23.25 89.6 60.1 * 8150525D 72 Surlyn 80 Fusabond 20 89.6 62.1 53.2 AD8546 525D 73 Surlyn 75Fusabond 25 88.2 62.0 45.5 AD8546 525D 74 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 86.157.8 41.2 AD8546 525D 75 Surlyn 83.5 Fusabond 16.5 93.3 63.8 51.3 8150525D 76 Surlyn 76 Fusabond 24 90.3 60.7 40.8 8150 525D 77 Clarix 88Fusabond 12 92.9 64.7 54.6 511705-01 525D 78 Clarix 83 Fusabond 17 92.363.0 50.0 511705-01 525D 79 Clarix 78 Fusabond 22 91.4 63.6 43.4511705-01 525D 80 Clarix 90 Fusabond 10 91.0 67.4 53.1 5152 525D 81Clarix 85 Fusabond 15 90.1 65.7 49.4 5152 525D 82 Clarix 80 Fusabond 2089.2 63.9 44.4 5152 525D 83 Amplify 40 Fusabond 60 * * * GR205 525D 84Amplify 60 Fusabond 40 * * * GR205 525D 85 Amplify 70 Fusabond 30 * * *GR205 525D 86 Surlyn 83.5 Fusabond 16.5 89.8 64.7 * 8150 525D 87 Surlyn76 Fusabond 24 87.5 62.6 * 8150 525D 88 Surlyn 90 Fusabond 10 92.0 65.257.0 7940 525D 89 Surlyn 85 Fusabond 15 91.6 63.4 55.5 7940 525D 90Surlyn 80 Fusabond 20 89.0 59.8 43.3 7940 525D 91 Surlyn 88 Fusabond 1293.3 64.4 * 8150 525D 92 Surlyn 83.5 Fusabond 16.5 90.5 62.2 * 8150 525D93 Surlyn 76 Fusabond 24 89.0 60.4 * 8150 525D 94 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 3086.6 58.8 34.9 8150 525D 95 Surlyn 92 Fusabond 8 87.3 60.3 37.1 9650525D 96 Surlyn 88 Fusabond 12 87.0 59.3 33.7 9650 525D 97 Surlyn 86Fusabond 14 87.0 59.6 35.8 9650 525D 98 Surlyn 84 Fusabond 16 85.3 57.131.1 9650 525D 99 Surlyn 82 Fusabond 18 85.4 55.6 37.0 9650 525D 100Surlyn 80 Fusabond 20 90.1 62.3 46.6 8150 525D 101 Surlyn 75 Fusabond 2587.2 59.7 41.2 8150 525D 102 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 86.6 58.7 37.6 8150525D 103 Amplify 50 Fusabond 50 * * * GR205 525D 104 Surlyn 74 Fusabond26 * * * 9650 525D 105 Surlyn 65 Fusabond 35 * * * AD8546 525D 106Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 * * * AD8546 525D 107 Surlyn 60 Fusabond 40 * * *AD8546 525D 108 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 * * * AD8546 525D 109 Surlyn 76Fusabond 24 * * * AD8546 525D 110 Surlyn 80 Fusabond 20 88.7 61.2 51.88150 A560 111 Surlyn 75 Fusabond 25 87.6 58.8 49.5 8150 A560 112 Surlyn70 Fusabond 30 86.4 57.9 43.1 8150 A560 113 Surlyn 76 Fusabond 24 * * *8150 A560 114 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 * * * 8150 A560 115 Surlyn 70Fusabond 30 * * * AD8546 A560 116 Surlyn 76 Fusabond 24 * * * AD8546A560 117 Surlyn 80 Fusabond 20 89.5 62.1 49.2 8150 C190 118 Surlyn 75Fusabond 25 87.7 59.8 44.6 8150 C190 119 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 86.7 58.640.2 8150 C190 120 Surlyn 80 Fusabond 20 * * * 8150 C250 121 Surlyn 75Fusabond 25 * * * 8150 C250 122 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 * * * 8150 C250123 Surlyn 80 Fusabond 20 * * * 8150 E100 124 Surlyn 75 Fusabond25 * * * 8150 E100 125 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 * * * 8150 E100 126 Surlyn80 Fusabond 20 * * * 8150 E528 127 Surlyn 75 Fusabond 25 * * * 8150 E528128 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 * * * 8150 E528 129 Surlyn 80 Fusabond20 * * * 8150 M603 130 Surlyn 75 Fusabond 25 * * * 8150 M603 131 Surlyn70 Fusabond 30 * * * 8150 M603 132 Surlyn 80 Fusabond 20 * * * 8150 N416133 Surlyn 75 Fusabond 25 * * * 8150 N416 134 Surlyn 70 Fusabond30 * * * 8150 N416 135 Surlyn 45 Fusabond 45 Fusabond 10 * * * 9945 P353525D 136 Surlyn 40 Fusabond 40 Fusabond 20 * * * 9945 P353 525D 137Surlyn 35 Fusabond 35 Fusabond 30 * * * 9945 P353 525D 138 Surlyn 80Fusabond 20 * * * 8150 P353 139 Surlyn 75 Fusabond 25 * * * 8150 P353140 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 * * * 8150 P353 141 Surlyn 50 Fusabond50 * * * 9945 P353 142 Surlyn 45 Fusabond 45 Fusabond 10 * * * 9945 P613525D 143 Surlyn 40 Fusabond 40 Fusabond 20 * * * 9945 P613 525D 144Surlyn 35 Fusabond 35 Fusabond 30 * * * 9945 P613 525D 145 Surlyn 80Fusabond 20 * * * 8150 P613 146 Surlyn 75 Fusabond 25 * * * 8150 P613147 Surlyn 70 Fusabond 30 * * * 8150 P613 148 Surlyn 50 Fusabond50 * * * 9945 P613 149 Surlyn 80 Fusabond 20 * * * 9945 P613 150 Surlyn75 Fusabond 25 * * * 9945 P613 151 Clarix 50 HPF 1000 50 87.8 62.3 40.65152 152 Clarix 75 HPF 1000 25 89.6 64.9 46.2 5152 153 Clarix 25 HPF1000 75 84.1 58.2 34.0 5152 154 Clarix 50 HPF 2000 50 89.8 64.0 38.35152 155 Surlyn 95 Iriodin 211 5 93.3 66.4 55.9 8945 Rutile Fine Red 156Surlyn 99.7 Kemamide 0.3 91.6 65.4 67.2 7940 W-40 157 Surlyn 99.4Kemamide 0.6 91.9 65.9 68.4 7940 W-40 158 Surlyn 99.1 Kemamide 0.9 92.566.5 66.3 7940 W-40 159 Surlyn 80 Kraton 20 88.8 63.9 50.0 8150 FG1901GT160 Surlyn 75 Kraton 25 87.2 61.8 42.8 8150 FG1901GT 161 Surlyn 70Kraton 30 85.6 60.0 36.0 8150 FG1901GT 162 Surlyn 80 Kraton 20 87.7 61.746.1 8150 FG1924GT 163 Surlyn 75 Kraton 25 87.3 60.2 41.9 8150 FG1924GT164 Surlyn 70 Kraton 30 84.3 57.3 37.5 8150 FG1924GT 165 Surlyn 80Kraton 20 89.7 63.2 52.2 8150 RP6670GT 166 Surlyn 75 Kraton 25 88.7 62.645.5 8150 RP6670GT 167 Surlyn 70 Kraton 30 87.1 61.0 44.3 8150 RP6670GT168 Surlyn 70 Lotader 30 91.6 62.5 50.0 8150 4210 169 Surlyn 75 Lotader25 92.3 63.4 52.0 8150 4210 170 Surlyn 80 Lotader 20 92.3 64.3 57.6 81504210 171 Surlyn 80 Lotader 20 89.5 61.5 * 8150 4603 172 Surlyn 75Lotader 25 88.4 59.7 * 8150 4603 173 Surlyn 70 Lotader 30 87.4 58.3 *8150 4603 174 Surlyn 70 Lotader 30 87.1 58.4 39.4 8150 4700 175 Surlyn75 Lotader 25 89.7 60.8 44.2 8150 4700 176 Surlyn 80 Lotader 20 88.359.2 50.1 8150 4700 177 Surlyn 80 Lotader 20 89.7 60.6 * 8150 4720 178Surlyn 75 Lotader 25 87.5 58.8 * 8150 4720 179 Surlyn 70 Lotader 30 86.155.9 * 8150 4720 180 Surlyn 80 Lotader 20 91.0 62.7 59.0 8150 6200 181Surlyn 75 Lotader 25 90.9 61.8 57.4 8150 6200 182 Surlyn 70 Lotader 3090.2 60.7 54.4 8150 6200 183 Surlyn 80 Lotader 20 91.3 63.0 62.7 81508200 184 Surlyn 75 Lotader 25 90.9 61.8 60.8 8150 8200 185 Surlyn 70Lotader 30 90.4 61.0 53.6 8150 8200 186 Surlyn 85 Mg Stearate 15 * * *7940 187 Surlyn 90 Microglass 10 92.8 68.3 66.4 9945 REF-600 188 Nucrel85 Nanoclay 15 * * * 0609HS 189 HPF 1000 85 Nanoclay 15 * * * 190 Surlyn75 Nucrel 25 * * * AD8546 0910HS 191 Surlyn 50 Nucrel 50 * * * AD85460910HS 192 Surlyn 25 Nucrel 75 * * * AD8546 0910HS 193 Surlyn 75 Nucrel25 * * * AD8546 1202HC 194 Surlyn 50 Nucrel 50 * * * AD8546 1202HC 195Surlyn 25 Nucrel 75 * * * AD8546 1202HC 196 Surlyn 45 Polybond 45Fusabond 10 * * * 9945 3009 525D 197 Surlyn 40 Polybond 40 Fusabond20 * * * 9945 3009 525D 198 Surlyn 35 Polybond 35 Fusabond 30 * * * 99453009 525D 199 Surlyn 50 Polybond 50 * * * 9945 3009 200 Surlyn 70Royaltuf 30 84.4 53.7 33.5 8150 485 201 Surlyn 75 Royaltuf 25 88.8 59.439.5 8150 485 202 Surlyn 80 Royaltuf 20 90.1 60.6 45.4 8150 485 203Surlyn 70 Royaltuf 30 Dicumyl 1 * * * 8150 498 Peroxide pph 204 Surlyn80 Royaltuf 20 88.4 59.1 46.0 8150 498 205 Surlyn 75 Royaltuf 25 86.556.2 40.1 8150 498 206 Surlyn 70 Royaltuf 30 83.9 53.9 34.0 8150 498 207Surlyn 47 Surlyn 31 Fusabond 22 87.2 58.0 * 9650 7940 525D 208 Surlyn 28Surlyn 21 Surlyn 21 Fusabond * * * AD8546 8150 9120 525D (30 wt %) 209Surlyn 30 Surlyn 22.5 Surlyn 22.5 Fusabond * * * AD8546 8150 9120 525D(25 wt %) 210 Surlyn 32 Surlyn 24 Surlyn 24 Fusabond * * * AD8546 81509120 525D (20 wt %) 211 Surlyn 50 Surlyn 50 94.3 68.9 * 7940 8150 212Surlyn 72.8 Surlyn 24.3 Cloisite 3 87.5 57.9 41.0 9650 8320 20A 213Surlyn 70.5 Surlyn 23.5 Cloisite 6 88.0 60.6 42.2 9650 8320 20A 214Surlyn 68.3 Surlyn 22.8 Cloisite 9 88.6 61.4 50.5 9650 8320 20A 215Surlyn 66 Surlyn 22 Cloisite 12 89.2 62.3 66.7 9650 8320 20A 216 Surlyn56.4 Surlyn 37.6 Cloisite 6 85.5 58.6 * 9650 8320 20A 217 Surlyn 54.6Surlyn 36.4 Cloisite 9 86.0 59.3 * 9650 8320 20A 218 Surlyn 52.8 Surlyn35.2 Cloisite 12 87.9 61.0 * 9650 8320 20A 219 Surlyn 51 Surlyn 34Cloisite 15 88.5 62.7 * 9650 8320 20A 220 Surlyn 58.2 Surlyn 38.8Cloisite 3 83.9 57.4 * 9650 8320 20A 221 Surlyn 50 Surlyn 35 Luzenac15 * * * 7940 8320 HAR T-84 Talc 222 Surlyn 56.4 Surlyn 37.6 Luzenac 686.0 57.5 * 9650 8320 HAR T-84 Talc 223 Surlyn 54.6 Surlyn 36.4 Luzenac9 84.9 57.2 * 9650 8320 HAR T-84 Talc 224 Surlyn 52.8 Surlyn 35.2Luzenac 12 86.1 58.3 * 9650 8320 HAR T-84 Talc 225 Surlyn 51 Surlyn 34Luzenac 15 87.3 59.4 * 9650 8320 HAR T-84 Talc 226 Surlyn 75 Surlyn 2587.1 57.5 35.5 9650 8320 227 Surlyn 60 Surlyn 40 82.5 55.6 * 9650 8320228 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 30 88.0 59.0 * 8320 8528 9650 229 Surlyn40 Surlyn 40 Amplify 20 * * 44.0 7940 8940 GR216 230 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn37.5 Amplify 25 * * 39.4 7940 8940 GR216 231 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Amplify30 * * 31.6 7940 8940 GR216 232 Surlyn 46 Surlyn 46 Cloisite 8 93.0 68.897.5 7940 8940 20A 233 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Fusabond 30 85.4 55.5 38.57940 8940 525D 234 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Fusabond 25 87.5 57.8 32.67940 8940 525D 235 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40 Fusabond 20 89.4 59.9 45.1 79408940 525D 236 Surlyn 39 Surlyn 39 Fusabond 22 89.4 59.2 * 7940 8940 525D237 Surlyn 39 Surlyn 39 Fusabond 20 NanoMax 88.3 61.9 44.8 7940 8940525D I.31PS (2 wt %) 238 Surlyn 38 Surlyn 38 Fusabond 20 NanoMax 88.662.6 52.4 7940 8940 525D I.31PS (4 wt %) 239 Surlyn 36.8 Surlyn 36.8Fusabond 20 NanoMax 89.7 64.1 61.1 7940 8940 525D I.31PS (6.4 wt %) 240Surlyn 39 Surlyn 39 Fusabond 20 NanoMax 88.9 63.4 47.9 7940 8940 525DI.44P (2 wt %) 241 Surlyn 38 Surlyn 38 Fusabond 20 NanoMax 89.3 64.352.8 7940 8940 525D I.44P (4 wt %) 242 Surlyn 36.8 Surlyn 36.8 Fusabond20 NanoMax 89.3 63.6 55.1 7940 8940 525D I.44P (6.4 wt %) 243 Surlyn 46Surlyn 46 NanoMax 8 92.7 70.3 98.4 7940 8940 I.31PS 244 Surlyn 47.5Surlyn 47.5 NanoMax 5 92.6 69.6 82.4 7940 8940 I.31PS 245 Surlyn 48.75Surlyn 48.75 NanoMax 2.5 92.5 69.4 77.3 7940 8940 I.31PS 246 Surlyn48.75 Surlyn 48.75 NanoMax 2.5 93.2 69.4 77.0 7940 8940 I.44P 247 Surlyn47.5 Surlyn 47.5 NanoMax 5 93.3 69.2 84.4 7940 8940 I.44P 248 Surlyn 46Surlyn 46 NanoMax 8 93.3 70.9 98.6 7940 8940 I.44P 249 Surlyn 35 Surlyn35 Nucrel 960 30 93.8 65.4 63.1 7940 8940 250 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5Nucrel 960 25 93.6 65.4 63.0 7940 8940 251 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40 Nucrel960 20 93.9 65.9 63.4 7940 8940 252 Surlyn 45 Surlyn 45 Nucrel 960 1094.7 * * 7940 8940 253 Surlyn 47.5 Surlyn 47.5 Nucrel 960 5 93.2 * *7940 8940 254 Surlyn 55 Surlyn 45 SU11140 5 94.0 68.6 * 7940 8940 TiO₂color phr concentrate 255 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 30 89.5 60.4 38.57940 8940 8320 256 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 25 90.3 61.0 41.4 79408940 8320 257 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 20 91.9 62.5 45.1 7940 89408320 258 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 30 * * * 7940 8940 9020 259 Surlyn37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 25 * * * 7940 8940 9020 260 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40Surlyn 20 * * * 7940 8940 9020 261 Surlyn 28 Surlyn 21 Surlyn 21Fusabond 86.2 56.9 36.6 7940 8940 9910 525D (30 wt %) 262 Surlyn 32Surlyn 24 Surlyn 24 Fusabond 89.7 59.8 46.5 7940 8940 9910 525D (20 wt%) 263 Surlyn 30 Surlyn 22.5 Surlyn 22.5 Fusabond 87.2 57.8 39.1 79408940 9910 525D (25 wt %) 264 Surlyn 50 Surlyn 50 94.6 * * 7940 8940 265Surlyn 50 Surlyn 50 94.2 66.0 * 7940 8940 266 Surlyn 50 Surlyn 50 93.766.5 * 7940 8940 267 Surlyn 90 Surlyn 10 93.7 65.7 * 7940 8940 268Surlyn 50 Surlyn 50 93.2 66.6 * 7940 8940 269 Surlyn 38 Surlyn 38Fusabond 24 88.6 59.3 * 7940 8940 525D 270 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Fusabond30 87.2 57.3 37.6 8150 9120 525D 271 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Fusabond 2588.9 59.5 45.6 8150 9120 525D 272 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40 Fusabond 20 90.861.1 48.3 8150 9120 525D 273 Surlyn 49 Surlyn 21 Fusabond 30 88.4 60.239.9 AD8546 9120 525D 274 Surlyn 52.5 Surlyn 22.5 Fusabond 25 90.4 62.646.5 AD8546 9120 525D 275 Surlyn 56 Surlyn 24 Fusabond 20 91.8 64.2 51.6AD8546 9120 525D 276 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Nucrel 25 * * * 8150 91200910HS 277 Surlyn 25 Surlyn 25 Nucrel 50 * * * 8150 9120 0910HS 278Surlyn 12.5 Surlyn 12.5 Nucrel 75 * * * 8150 9120 0910HS 279 Surlyn 37.5Surlyn 37.5 Nucrel 25 * * * 8150 9120 1202HC 280 Surlyn 25 Surlyn 25Nucrel 50 * * * 8150 9120 1202HC 281 Surlyn 12.5 Surlyn 12.5 Nucrel75 * * * 8150 9120 1202HC 282 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 15 Fusabond * *48.4 8150 9120 9020 525D (15 wt %) 283 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 10Fusabond * * 50.9 8150 9120 9020 525D (15 wt %) 284 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40Surlyn 5 Fusabond * * 57.1 8150 9120 9020 525D (15 wt %) 285 Surlyn 50Surlyn 50 * * * 8150 9120 286 Surlyn 56.4 Surlyn 37.6 Cloisite 6 82.555.5 * 9650 9320 20A 287 Surlyn 54.6 Surlyn 36.4 Cloisite 9 85.5 59.1 *9650 9320 20A 288 Surlyn 52.8 Surlyn 35.2 Cloisite 12 * * * 9650 932020A 289 Surlyn 51 Surlyn 34 Cloisite 15 87.5 61.1 * 9650 9320 20A 290Surlyn 58 Surlyn 38 Cloisite 4 * * * AD8546 9320 30B 291 Surlyn 55.2Surlyn 36.8 Cloisite 8 * * * AD8546 9320 30B 292 Surlyn 53 Surlyn 35Cloisite 12 * * * AD8546 9320 30B 293 Surlyn 56.4 Surlyn 37.6 Luzenac 682.0 54.0 * 9650 9320 HAR T-84 Talc 294 Surlyn 54.6 Surlyn 36.4 Luzenac9 82.7 55.1 * 9650 9320 HAR T-84 Talc 295 Surlyn 52.8 Surlyn 35.2Luzenac 12 84.8 57.3 * 9650 9320 HAR T-84 Talc 296 Surlyn 51 Surlyn 34Luzenac 15 * * * 9650 9320 HAR T-84 Talc 297 Surlyn 60 Surlyn 40 81.755.3 * 9650 9320 298 Surlyn 60 Surlyn 40 * * * AD8546 9320 299 Surlyn 27Surlyn 27 Clarix 46 Carbon 91.6 55.4 * 7940 9650 011370-01 Black (7.5pph) 300 Surlyn 27 Surlyn 27 Clarix 46 Carbon 91.4 64.8 * 7940 9650011370-01 Black (7.5 pph) 301 Surlyn 27 Surlyn 27 Clarix 46 90.0 61.248.7 7940 9650 011370-01 302 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40 Fusabond 20 87.6 58.244.7 7940 9650 525D 303 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Fusabond 25 85.1 55.236.3 7940 9650 525D 304 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Fusabond 30 84.4 54.8 33.87940 9650 525D 305 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Fusabond 25 83.1 53.3 27.68528 9650 525D 306 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40 Fusabond 20 85.5 54.8 32.7 85289650 525D 307 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Fusabond 30 82.1 52.6 26.6 8528 9650525D 308 Surlyn 9 Surlyn 81 Fusabond 10 89.4 61.1 46.2 7940 9650 525D309 Surlyn 8.5 Surlyn 76.5 Fusabond 15 88.0 58.1 42.0 7940 9650 525D 310Surlyn 8 Surlyn 72 Fusabond 20 86.1 57.0 34.8 7940 9650 525D 311 Surlyn27 Surlyn 63 Fusabond 10 90.7 63.0 53.2 7940 9650 525D 312 Surlyn 25.5Surlyn 59.5 Fusabond 15 89.4 61.5 44.6 7940 9650 525D 313 Surlyn 24Surlyn 56 Fusabond 20 87.0 57.2 39.7 7940 9650 525D 314 Surlyn 44 Surlyn44 Fusabond 12 91.0 62.9 49.9 7940 9650 525D 315 Surlyn 42.5 Surlyn 42.5Fusabond 15 90.5 61.7 46.2 7940 9650 525D 316 Surlyn 41 Surlyn 41Fusabond 18 89.4 61.1 42.2 7940 9650 525D 317 Surlyn 39.5 Surlyn 39.5Fusabond 21 88.0 58.8 40.0 7940 9650 525D 318 Surlyn 38 Surlyn 38Fusabond 24 85.3 56.9 34.6 7940 9650 525D 319 Surlyn 38 Surlyn 38Fusabond 21 Cloisite 89.3 61.1 44.3 7940 9650 525D 30B (3 wt %) 320Surlyn 36.5 Surlyn 36.5 Fusabond 21 Cloisite 89.9 61.0 49.8 7940 9650525D 30B (6 wt %) 321 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Fusabond 21 Cloisite 90.1 62.354.9 7940 9650 525D 30B (9 wt %) 322 Surlyn 38 Surlyn 38 Fusabond 21Cloisite 6A 89.6 60.5 46.2 7940 9650 525D (3 wt %) 323 Surlyn 36.5Surlyn 36.5 Fusabond 21 Cloisite 6A 89.8 61.0 51.2 7940 9650 525D (6 wt%) 324 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Fusabond 21 Cloisite 6A 89.9 61.3 52.3 79409650 525D (9 wt %) 325 Clarix 45 Surlyn 45 Fusabond 10 90.7 62.8 51.85152 9650 525D 326 Clarix 42.5 Surlyn 42.5 Fusabond 15 87.5 59.8 42.95152 9650 525D 327 Clarix 40 Surlyn 40 Fusabond 20 86.4 59.1 37.4 51529650 525D 328 Surlyn 41 Surlyn 41 Fusabond 18 88.9 62.0 45.2 7940 9650525D 329 Surlyn 39.5 Surlyn 39.5 Fusabond 21 88.3 61.0 42.4 7940 9650525D 330 Surlyn 38 Surlyn 38 Fusabond 24 85.9 57.7 37.9 7940 9650 525D331 Surlyn 36.5 Surlyn 36.5 Fusabond 27 84.9 57.6 35.2 7940 9650 525D332 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Fusabond 30 82.9 55.9 30.3 7940 9650 525D 333Surlyn 45 Surlyn 45 Fusabond 10 90.5 63.0 54.9 7940 9650 525D 334 Surlyn38 Surlyn 38 Fusabond 24 86.5 57.6 34.6 8945 9650 525D 335 Surlyn 36.9Surlyn 36.9 Fusabond 23.3 Luzenac 88.3 60.6 43.3 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84(3 wt %) 336 Surlyn 35.7 Surlyn 35.7 Fusabond 22.6 Luzenac 87.6 59.943.2 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 (6 wt %) 337 Surlyn 34.6 Surlyn 34.6Fusabond 21.8 Luzenac 87.7 60.6 63.8 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 (9 wt %)338 Surlyn 33.8 Surlyn 33.8 Fusabond 21.4 Luzenac 87.9 60.2 54.2 89459650 525D HAR T-84 (11 wt %)) 339 Surlyn 36.9 Surlyn 36.9 Fusabond 23.3Muscovite 85.5 58.2 33.0 8945 9650 525D Mica SG 90 (3 wt %) 340 Surlyn35.7 Surlyn 35.7 Fusabond 22.6 Muscovite 84.8 57.9 36.0 8945 9650 525DMica SG 90 (6 wt %) 341 Surlyn 34.6 Surlyn 34.6 Fusabond 21.8 Muscovite87.7 60.1 38.2 8945 9650 525D Mica SG 90 (9 wt %) 342 Surlyn 33.8 Surlyn33.8 Fusabond 21.4 Muscovite 86.6 59.4 39.4 8945 9650 525D Mica SG 90(11 wt %) 343 Surlyn 36.9 Surlyn 36.9 Fusabond 23.3 Cloisite 87.7 59.045.2 8945 9650 525D 20A (3 wt %) 344 Surlyn 35.7 Surlyn 35.7 Fusabond22.6 Cloisite 89.4 61.0 56.7 8945 9650 525D 20A (6 wt %) 345 Surlyn 34.6Surlyn 34.6 Fusabond 21.8 Cloisite 90.6 61.8 68.5 8945 9650 525D 20A (9wt %) 346 Surlyn 33.8 Surlyn 33.8 Fusabond 21.3 Cloisite 90.5 62.0 72.38945 9650 525D 20A (11.1 wt %) 347 Surlyn 36.9 Surlyn 36.9 Fusabond 23.3Suzorite 86.7 59.1 38.0 8945 9650 525D Mica 200- PE (3 wt %) 348 Surlyn35.7 Surlyn 35.7 Fusabond 22.6 Suzorite 87.4 59.9 43.0 8945 9650 525DMica 200- PE (6 wt %) 349 Surlyn 34.6 Surlyn 34.6 Fusabond 21.8 Suzorite87.9 60.9 45.8 8945 9650 525D Mica 200- PE (9 wt %) 350 Surlyn 33.8Surlyn 33.8 Fusabond 21.4 Suzorite 88.1 60.9 51.9 8945 9650 525D Mica200- PE (11 wt %) 351 Surlyn 36.9 Surlyn 36.9 Fusabond 23.3 Raven 87.859.7 42.2 8945 9650 525D 2500 (3 wt %) 352 Surlyn 35.7 Surlyn 35.7Fusabond 22.6 Raven 88.6 60.3 46.3 8945 9650 525D 2500 (6 wt %) 353Surlyn 34.6 Surlyn 34.6 Fusabond 21.8 Raven 88.6 61.2 52.0 8945 9650525D 2500 (9 wt %) 354 Surlyn 33.8 Surlyn 33.8 Fusabond 21.4 Raven 88.961.0 55.5 8945 9650 525D 2500 (11 wt %) 355 Surlyn 36.9 Surlyn 36.9Fusabond 23.3 Raven 86.7 58.6 46.4 8945 9650 525D 1170 (3 wt %) 356Surlyn 35.7 Surlyn 35.7 Fusabond 22.6 Raven 87.5 59.8 45.8 8945 9650525D 1170 (6 wt %) 357 Surlyn 34.6 Surlyn 34.6 Fusabond 21.8 Raven 88.160.0 49.4 8945 9650 525D 1170 (9 wt %) 358 Surlyn 33.8 Surlyn 33.8Fusabond 21.4 Raven 88.7 61.1 59.2 8945 9650 525D 1170 (11 wt %) 359Surlyn 37 Surlyn 37 Fusabond 26 87.1 57.3 39.0 7940 9650 525D 360 Surlyn35.9 Surlyn 35.9 Fusabond 25.2 Cloisite 88.0 59.0 43.7 7940 9650 525D20A (3 wt %) 361 Surlyn 34.8 Surlyn 34.8 Fusabond 24.4 Cloisite 88.359.8 50.2 7940 9650 525D 20A (6 wt %) 362 Surlyn 33.7 Surlyn 33.7Fusabond 23.7 Cloisite 88.5 59.7 52.8 7940 9650 525D 20A (9 wt %) 363Surlyn 32.9 Surlyn 32.9 Fusabond 23.1 Cloisite 88.8 60.1 57.9 7940 9650525D 20A (11 wt %) 364 Surlyn 39 Surlyn 39 Fusabond 22 84.6 55.5 31.48528 9650 525D 365 Surlyn 37.8 Surlyn 37.8 Fusabond 21.3 Cloisite 86.057.1 43.6 8528 9650 525D 20A (3 wt %) 366 Surlyn 36.7 Surlyn 36.7Fusabond 20.7 Cloisite 86.9 58.4 48.6 8528 9650 525D 20A (6 wt %) 367Surlyn 35.5 Surlyn 35.5 Fusabond 20 Cloisite 87.5 59.2 58.7 8528 9650525D 20A (9 wt %) 368 Surlyn 34.7 Surlyn 34.7 Fusabond 19.6 Cloisite88.0 59.5 65.7 8528 9650 525D 20A (11 wt %) 369 Surlyn 35.7 Surlyn 35.7Fusabond 22.6 Mayan 83.9 56.7 35.9 8945 9650 525D Pigments Mica (6 wt %)370 Surlyn 36.9 Surlyn 36.9 Fusabond 23.3 NanoMax 86.9 57.5 45.0 89459650 525D I.31PS (3 wt %) 371 Surlyn 35.7 Surlyn 35.7 Fusabond 22.6NanoMax 88.2 58.8 52.4 8945 9650 525D I.31PS (6 wt %) 372 Surlyn 34.6Surlyn 34.6 Fusabond 21.8 NanoMax 88.2 59.0 56.2 8945 9650 525D I.31PS(9 wt %) 373 Surlyn 33.4 Surlyn 33.4 Fusabond 21.1 NanoMax 89.4 60.365.5 8945 9650 525D I.31PS (12 wt %) 374 Surlyn 36.9 Surlyn 36.9Fusabond 23.3 NanoMax 87.9 60.7 47.9 8945 9650 525D I.44P (3 wt %) 375Surlyn 35.7 Surlyn 35.7 Fusabond 22.6 NanoMax 88.1 60.7 57.2 8945 9650525D I.44P (6 wt %) 376 Surlyn 34.6 Surlyn 34.6 Fusabond 21.8 NanoMax89.0 61.8 64.3 8945 9650 525D I.44P (9 wt %) 377 Surlyn 33.4 Surlyn 33.4Fusabond 21.1 NanoMax 89.7 62.0 74.1 8945 9650 525D I.44P (12 wt %) 378Surlyn 21 Surlyn 48 Fusabond 22 Luzenac 86.5 59.6 56.0 8945 9650 525DHAR T-84 Talc (9 wt %) 379 Surlyn 15 Surlyn 52 Fusabond 21 Luzenac 87.659.4 62.8 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (12 wt %) 380 Surlyn 34.6 Surlyn34.6 Fusabond 21.8 Luzenac 87.3 58.7 52.5 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc(9 wt %) 381 Surlyn 33.8 Surlyn 33.8 Fusabond 21.4 Luzenac 88.0 59.659.1 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (11 wt %) 382 Surlyn 37.8 Surlyn 37.8Fusabond 21.3 Cloisite 85.3 58.1 45.5 8528 9650 525D 20A (3 wt %) 383Surlyn 35.5 Surlyn 35.5 Fusabond 20 Cloisite 86.6 59.1 56.5 8528 9650525D 20A (9 wt %) 384 Surlyn 35.7 Surlyn 35.7 Fusabond 22.6 NanoMax 88.159.1 * 8945 9650 525D I.44P (6 wt %) 385 Surlyn 33.4 Surlyn 33.4Fusabond 21.1 NanoMax * * * 8945 9650 525D I.31PS (12 wt %) 386 Surlyn34.7 Surlyn 34.7 Fusabond 19.6 Cloisite * * * 8528 9650 525D 20A (11 wt%) 387 Surlyn 34.7 Surlyn 34.7 Fusabond 19.6 Cloisite Aktiplast * * *8528 9650 525D 20A PP (11 wt %) (10 pph) 388 Surlyn 34.7 Surlyn 34.7Fusabond 19.6 Cloisite Aktiplast * * * 8528 9650 525D 20A PP (11 wt %)(2 pph) 389 Surlyn 34.7 Surlyn 34.7 Fusabond 19.6 CloisiteAktiplast * * * 8528 9650 525D 20A PP (11 wt %) (5 pph) 390 Surlyn 34.2Surlyn 34.2 Fusabond 19.3 Cloisite Kemamide * * * 8528 9650 525D 20AW-40 (11.4 wt %) (1 wt %) 391 Surlyn 33.8 Surlyn 33.8 Fusabond 19.1Cloisite Kemamide * * * 8528 9650 525D 20A W-40 (11.3 wt %) (2 wt %) 392Surlyn 33.5 Surlyn 33.5 Fusabond 18.9 Cloisite Kemamide * * * 8528 9650525D 20A W-40 (11.2 wt %) (3 wt %) 393 Surlyn 36.9 Surlyn 36.9 Fusabond23.3 Luzenac * * * 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (3 wt %) 394 Surlyn 35.7Surlyn 35.7 Fusabond 22.6 Luzenac * * * 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (6wt %) 395 Surlyn 34.6 Surlyn 34.6 Fusabond 21.8 Luzenac * * * 8945 9650525D HAR T-84 Talc (9 wt %) 396 Surlyn 33.7 Surlyn 33.7 Fusabond 21.3Luzenac * * * 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (11.2 wt %) 397 Surlyn 34Surlyn 34 Fusabond 32 * * * 8945 9650 525D 398 Surlyn 32.6 Surlyn 32.6Fusabond 30.7 Cloisite * * * 8945 9650 525D 20A (4 wt %) 399 Surlyn 32Surlyn 32 Fusabond 30 Cloisite * * * 8945 9650 525D 20A (6 wt %) 400Surlyn 31.3 Surlyn 31.3 Fusabond 29.4 Cloisite * * * 8945 9650 525D 20A(8 wt %) 401 Surlyn 30.5 Surlyn 30.5 Fusabond 28.7 Cloisite * * * 89459650 525D 20A (10.2 wt %) 402 Surlyn 33 Surlyn 33 Fusabond 34 * * * 79409650 525D 403 Surlyn 31.7 Surlyn 31.7 Fusabond 32.6 Cloisite * * * 79409650 525D 20A (4 wt %) 404 Surlyn 31 Surlyn 31 Fusabond 32Cloisite * * * 7940 9650 525D 20A (6 wt %) 405 Surlyn 30.4 Surlyn 30.4Fusabond 31.3 Cloisite * * * 7940 9650 525D 20A (8 wt %) 406 Surlyn 29.7Surlyn 29.7 Fusabond 30.6 Cloisite * * * 7940 9650 525D 20A (10 wt %)407 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Fusabond 30 * * * 8528 9650 525D 408 Surlyn 33.6Surlyn 33.6 Fusabond 28.8 Cloisite * * * 8528 9650 525D 20A (4 wt %) 409Surlyn 32.9 Surlyn 32.9 Fusabond 28.2 Cloisite * * * 8528 9650 525D 20A(6 wt %) 410 Surlyn 32.2 Surlyn 32.2 Fusabond 27.6 Cloisite * * * 85289650 525D 20A (8 wt %) 411 Surlyn 31.4 Surlyn 31.4 Fusabond 26.9Cloisite * * * 8528 9650 525D 20A (10.3 wt %) 412 Surlyn 32.6 Surlyn32.6 Fusabond 30.7 Luzenac * * * 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (4 wt %)413 Surlyn 32 Surlyn 32 Fusabond 30.1 Luzenac * * * 8945 9650 525D HART-84 Talc (6 wt %) 414 Surlyn 31.3 Surlyn 31.3 Fusabond 29.4Luzenac * * * 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (8 wt %) 415 Surlyn 30.5Surlyn 30.5 Fusabond 28.7 Luzenac * * * 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc(10.3 wt %) 416 Surlyn 31.7 Surlyn 31.7 Fusabond 32.6 Luzenac * * * 79409650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (4 wt %) 417 Surlyn 31 Surlyn 31 Fusabond 32Luzenac * * * 7940 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (6 wt %) 418 Surlyn 30.4Surlyn 30.4 Fusabond 31.3 Luzenac * * * 7940 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (8wt %) 419 Surlyn 29.7 Surlyn 29.7 Fusabond 30.6 Luzenac * * * 7940 9650525D HAR T-84 Talc (10 wt %) 420 Surlyn 33.6 Surlyn 33.6 Fusabond 28.8Luzenac * * * 8528 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (4 wt %) 421 Surlyn 32.9Surlyn 32.9 Fusabond 28.2 Luzenac * * * 8528 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (6wt %) 422 Surlyn 32.2 Surlyn 32.2 Fusabond 27.6 Luzenac * * * 8528 9650525D HAR T-84 Talc (8 wt %) 423 Surlyn 31.4 Surlyn 31.4 Fusabond 26.9Luzenac * * * 8528 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (10.3 wt %) 424 Surlyn 32Surlyn 32 Fusabond 30 NanoMax * * * 8945 9650 525D I.31PS (6 wt %) 425Surlyn 30.9 Surlyn 30.9 Fusabond 29.1 NanoMax * * * 8945 9650 525DI.31PS (9 wt %) 426 Surlyn 29.9 Surlyn 29.9 Fusabond 28.2 NanoMax * * *8945 9650 525D I.31PS (12 wt %) 427 Surlyn 28.9 Surlyn 28.9 Fusabond27.2 NanoMax * * * 8945 9650 525D I.31PS (15 wt %) 428 Surlyn 32 Surlyn32 Fusabond 30 NanoMax * * * 8945 9650 525D I.44P (6 wt %) 429 Surlyn30.9 Surlyn 30.9 Fusabond 29.1 NanoMax * * * 8945 9650 525D I.44P (9 wt%) 430 Surlyn 29.9 Surlyn 29.9 Fusabond 28.2 NanoMax * * * 8945 9650525D I.44P (12 wt %) 431 Surlyn 28.9 Surlyn 28.9 Fusabond 27.2NanoMax * * * 8945 9650 525D I.44P (15 wt %) 432 Surlyn 32.6 Surlyn 32.6Fusabond 30.7 Muscovite * * * 8945 9650 525D Mica SG90 (4 wt %) 433Surlyn 32 Surlyn 32 Fusabond 30 Muscovite * * * 8945 9650 525D Mica SG90(6 wt %) 434 Surlyn 31.3 Surlyn 31.3 Fusabond 29.4 Muscovite * * * 89459650 525D Mica SG90 (8 wt %) 435 Surlyn 30.5 Surlyn 30.5 Fusabond 28.7Muscovite * * * 8945 9650 525D Mica SG90 (10.2 wt %) 436 Surlyn 32.6Surlyn 32.6 Fusabond 30.7 Suzorite * * * 8945 9650 525D Mica 200- PE (4wt %) 437 Surlyn 32 Surlyn 32 Fusabond 30 Suzorite * * * 8945 9650 525DMica 200- PE (6 wt %) 438 Surlyn 31.3 Surlyn 31.3 Fusabond 29.4Suzorite * * * 8945 9650 525D Mica 200- PE (8 wt %) 439 Surlyn 30.5Surlyn 30.5 Fusabond 28.8 Suzorite * * * 8945 9650 525D Mica 200- PE(10.2 wt %) 440 Surlyn 32.6 Surlyn 32.6 Fusabond 30.7 Raven * * * 89459650 525D 2500 (4 wt %) 441 Surlyn 32 Surlyn 32 Fusabond 30 Raven * * *8945 9650 525D 2500 (6 wt %) 442 Surlyn 31.3 Surlyn 31.3 Fusabond 29.4Raven * * * 8945 9650 525D 2500 (8 wt %) 443 Surlyn 30.5 Surlyn 30.5Fusabond 28.7 Raven * * * 8945 9650 525D 2500 (10.2 wt %) 444 Surlyn32.6 Surlyn 32.6 Fusabond 30.7 Raven * * * 8945 9650 525D 1170 (4 wt %)445 Surlyn 32 Surlyn 32 Fusabond 30 Raven * * * 8945 9650 525D 1170 (6wt %) 446 Surlyn 31.3 Surlyn 31.3 Fusabond 29.4 Raven * * * 8945 9650525D 1170 (8 wt %) 447 Surlyn 30.5 Surlyn 30.5 Fusabond 28.7 Raven * * *8945 9650 525D 1170 (10.2 wt %) 448 Surlyn 14 Surlyn 56 Fusabond30 * * * 8945 9650 525D 449 Surlyn 13.4 Surlyn 53.8 Fusabond 28.8Cloisite * * * 8945 9650 525D 20A (4 wt %) 450 Surlyn 13.4 Surlyn 53.8Fusabond 28.8 Luzenac * * * 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (4 wt %) 451Surlyn 12.9 Surlyn 51.5 Fusabond 27.6 Cloisite * * * 8945 9650 525D 20A(8 wt %) 452 Surlyn 12.9 Surlyn 51.5 Fusabond 27.6 Luzenac * * * 89459650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (8 wt %) 453 Surlyn 12.3 Surlyn 49.3 Fusabond26.4 Cloisite * * * 8945 9650 525D 20A (12 wt %) 454 Surlyn 12.3 Surlyn49.3 Fusabond 26.4 Luzenac * * * 8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (12 wt %)455 Surlyn 11.8 Surlyn 47.2 Fusabond 25.3 Cloisite * * * 8945 9650 525D20A (15.7 wt %) 456 Surlyn 11.8 Surlyn 47.2 Fusabond 25.3 Luzenac * * *8945 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (15.7 wt %) 457 Surlyn 32.6 Surlyn 32.6Fusabond 30.7 Cloisite * * * 8945 9650 525D 30B (4 wt %) 458 Surlyn 32Surlyn 32 Fusabond 30.1 Cloisite * * * 8945 9650 525D 30B (6 wt %) 459Surlyn 31.3 Surlyn 31.3 Fusabond 29.4 Cloisite * * * 8945 9650 525D 30B(8 wt %) 460 Surlyn 30.5 Surlyn 30.5 Fusabond 28.7 Cloisite * * * 89459650 525D 30B (10.2 wt %) 461 Surlyn 14 Surlyn 54 Fusabond 32 * * * 79409650 525D 462 Surlyn 13.4 Surlyn 51.8 Fusabond 30.7 Cloisite * * * 79409650 525D 20A (4 wt %) 463 Surlyn 12.9 Surlyn 49.7 Fusabond 29.4Cloisite * * * 7940 9650 525D 20A (8 wt %) 464 Surlyn 12.3 Surlyn 47.5Fusabond 28.2 Cloisite * * * 7940 9650 525D 20A (12 wt %) 465 Surlyn11.9 Surlyn 45.8 Fusabond 27.1 Cloisite * * * 7940 9650 525D 20A (15.2wt %) 466 Surlyn 13.4 Surlyn 51.8 Fusabond 30.7 Luzenac * * * 7940 9650525D HAR T-84 Talc (4 wt %) 467 Surlyn 12.9 Surlyn 49.7 Fusabond 29.4Luzenac * * * 7940 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (8 wt %) 468 Surlyn 12.3Surlyn 47.5 Fusabond 28.2 Luzenac * * * 7940 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (12wt %) 469 Surlyn 11.9 Surlyn 45.8 Fusabond 27.1 Luzenac * * * 7940 9650525D HAR T-84 Talc (15.2 wt %) 470 Surlyn 14 Surlyn 56 Fusabond 30 * * *8528 9650 525D 471 Surlyn 13.4 Surlyn 53.8 Fusabond 28.8 Cloisite * * *8528 9650 525D 20A (4 wt %) 472 Surlyn 12.9 Surlyn 51.5 Fusabond 27.6Cloisite * * * 8528 9650 525D 20A (8 wt %) 473 Surlyn 12.3 Surlyn 49.3Fusabond 26.4 Cloisite * * * 8528 9650 525D 20A (12 wt %) 474 Surlyn11.8 Surlyn 47.2 Fusabond 25.3 Cloisite * * * 8528 9650 525D 20A (15.7wt %) 475 Surlyn 13.2 Surlyn 52.6 Fusabond 28.2 Luzenac * * * 8528 9650525D HAR T-84 Talc (6 wt %) 476 Surlyn 12.7 Surlyn 51 Fusabond 27.3Luzenac * * * 8528 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (9 wt %) 477 Surlyn 12.3Surlyn 49.3 Fusabond 26.4 Luzenac * * * 8528 9650 525D HAR T-84 Talc (12wt %) 478 Surlyn 11.9 Surlyn 47.6 Fusabond 25.5 Luzenac * * * 8528 9650525D HAR T-84 Talc (15 wt %) 479 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40 Fusabond 20 * * *7940 9650 525D 480 Surlyn 35.7 Surlyn 35.7 Fusabond 22.6 Cloisite 86.558.2 38.7 8945 9650 525D 30B (6 wt %) 481 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40 Fusabond20 * * * 7940 9650 A560 482 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Fusabond 25 * * *7940 9650 A560 483 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Fusabond 30 * * * 7940 9650 A560484 Surlyn 31.7 Surlyn 31.7 Fusabond 32.6 Cloisite * * * 7940 9650 A56020A (4 wt %) 485 Surlyn 31 Surlyn 31 Fusabond 32 Cloisite * * * 79409650 A560 20A (6 wt %) 486 Surlyn 30.4 Surlyn 30.4 Fusabond 31.3Cloisite * * * 7940 9650 A560 20A (8 wt %) 487 Surlyn 29.7 Surlyn 29.7Fusabond 30.6 Cloisite * * * 7940 9650 A560 20A (10 wt %) 488 Surlyn37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 25 89.6 61.4 39.3 7940 9650 8320 489 Surlyn 35Surlyn 35 Surlyn 30 88.0 59.5 35.3 7940 9650 8320 490 Surlyn 32.5 Surlyn32.5 Surlyn 35 87.5 60.0 32.5 7940 9650 8320 491 Surlyn 25 Surlyn 25Surlyn 35 Luzenac * * * 7940 9650 8320 HAR T-84 (15 wt %) 492 Surlyn 50Surlyn 50 92.8 65.9 61.4 7940 9650 493 Clarix 10 Surlyn 90 89.4 62.7 *5152 9650 494 Clarix 30 Surlyn 70 90.2 63.5 * 5152 9650 495 Clarix 50Surlyn 50 91.5 65.4 * 5152 9650 496 Clarix 65 Surlyn 35 92.5 66.1 * 51529650 497 Surlyn 10 Surlyn 90 91.4 63.8 54.0 7940 9650 498 Surlyn 30Surlyn 70 93.0 64.1 61.1 7940 9650 499 Surlyn 65 Surlyn 35 92.1 65.664.7 7940 9650 500 Surlyn 50 Surlyn 50 * * * 7930 9650 501 Surlyn 40Surlyn 40 Fusabond 20 88.3 58.9 43.3 8940 9910 525D 502 Surlyn 37.5Surlyn 37.5 Fusabond 25 86.7 57.0 39.0 8940 9910 525D 503 Surlyn 35Surlyn 35 Fusabond 30 85.8 56.5 36.0 8940 9910 525D 504 Surlyn 40 Surlyn40 Fusabond 20 88.6 59.3 45.0 7940 9910 525D 505 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5Fusabond 25 87.0 58.0 39.3 7940 9910 525D 506 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35Fusabond 30 85.2 56.4 35.1 7940 9910 525D 507 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35Fusabond 30 84.0 58.0 31.1 8940 9910 525D 508 Surlyn 34 Surlyn 34Fusabond 29.1 Cloisite 87.1 58.7 37.9 8940 9910 525D 30B (2.9 wt %) 509Surlyn 32.9 Surlyn 32.9 Fusabond 28.2 Cloisite 88.3 59.6 46.4 8940 9910525D 30B (6 wt %) 510 Surlyn 31.9 Surlyn 31.9 Fusabond 27.3 Cloisite89.3 61.3 62.3 8940 9910 525D 30B (8.9 wt %) 511 Surlyn 30.8 Surlyn 30.8Fusabond 26.4 Cloisite 90.5 62.7 62.8 8940 9910 525D 30B (12 wt %) 512Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Nucrel 25 * * * 8945 9910 0910HS 513 Surlyn 25Surlyn 25 Nucrel 50 * * * 8945 9910 0910HS 514 Surlyn 12.5 Surlyn 12.5Nucrel 75 * * * 8945 9910 0910HS 515 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Nucrel25 * * * 8945 9910 1202HC 516 Surlyn 25 Surlyn 25 Nucrel 50 * * * 89459910 1202HC 517 Surlyn 12.5 Surlyn 12.5 Nucrel 75 * * * 8945 9910 1202HC518 Surlyn 50 Surlyn 50 * * * 8940 9910 519 Surlyn 50 Surlyn 50 * * 68.27940 9910 520 Amplify 95 Surlyn 5 * * * GR205 9910 521 Surlyn 50 Surlyn50 * * * 8945 9910 522 Clarix 45 Surlyn 45 Fusabond 10 92.0 63.6 54.65152 9945 525D 523 Clarix 42.5 Surlyn 42.5 Fusabond 15 90.6 62.9 46.55152 9945 525D 524 Clarix 40 Surlyn 40 Fusabond 20 89.1 61.6 40.5 51529945 525D 525 Clarix 58 Surlyn 32 Fusabond 10 93.1 66.2 52.2 5152 9945525D 526 Clarix 55 Surlyn 30 Fusabond 15 91.6 63.8 45.4 5152 9945 525D527 Clarix 52 Surlyn 28 Fusabond 20 91.0 63.2 41.8 5152 9945 525D 528Clarix 72 Surlyn 18 Fusabond 10 92.6 65.0 50.7 5152 9945 525D 529 Clarix68 Surlyn 17 Fusabond 15 91.8 64.5 49.5 5152 9945 525D 530 Clarix 65Surlyn 15 Fusabond 20 90.2 62.0 41.7 5152 9945 525D 531 Surlyn 70 Surlyn15 Fusabond 15 89.6 63.1 52.1 7940 9945 525D 532 Surlyn 65 Surlyn 15Fusabond 20 88.4 61.8 46.7 7940 9945 525D 533 Surlyn 65 Surlyn 20Fusabond 15 89.7 64.2 51.4 7940 9945 525D 534 Surlyn 60 Surlyn 20Fusabond 20 88.6 62.5 47.8 7940 9945 525D 535 Surlyn 60 Surlyn 25Fusabond 15 89.1 63.4 48.9 7940 9945 525D 536 Surlyn 55 Surlyn 25Fusabond 20 87.9 61.9 43.8 7940 9945 525D 537 Clarix 80 Surlyn 10Fusabond 10 92.1 64.3 53.1 5152 9945 525D 538 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40Fusabond 20 * * 42.7 8150 9945 525D 539 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5 Fusabond25 * * 39.7 8150 9945 525D 540 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35 Fusabond 30 * * 33.08150 9945 525D 541 Clarix 9 Surlyn 81 Fusabond 10 88.7 61.4 * 5152 9945525D 542 Clarix 8.5 Surlyn 76.5 Fusabond 15 87.4 59.9 * 5152 9945 525D543 Clarix 8 Surlyn 72 Fusabond 20 85.9 58.9 * 5152 9945 525D 544 Clarix27 Surlyn 63 Fusabond 10 90.0 63.8 * 5152 9945 525D 545 Clarix 25.5Surlyn 59.5 Fusabond 15 88.5 61.5 * 5152 9945 525D 546 Clarix 24 Surlyn56 Fusabond 20 87.5 60.3 * 5152 9945 525D 547 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40Fusabond 20 89.5 61.6 42.9 7940 9945 525D 548 Surlyn 42.5 Surlyn 42.5Fusabond 15 90.8 63.4 48.4 7940 9945 525D 549 Surlyn 45 Surlyn 45Fusabond 10 92.4 65.8 57.1 7940 9945 525D 550 Surlyn 9 Surlyn 81Fusabond 10 88.8 62.0 48.0 7940 9945 525D 551 Surlyn 8.5 Surlyn 76.5Fusabond 15 90.9 63.6 44.2 7940 9945 525D 552 Surlyn 8 Surlyn 72Fusabond 20 90.9 63.1 38.7 7940 9945 525D 553 Surlyn 27 Surlyn 63Fusabond 10 90.9 63.1 51.8 7940 9945 525D 554 Surlyn 25.5 Surlyn 59.5Fusabond 15 89.7 62.3 48.2 7940 9945 525D 555 Surlyn 24 Surlyn 56Fusabond 20 87.7 60.0 43.0 7940 9945 525D 556 Surlyn 47.5 Surlyn 47.5Nucrel 960 5 91.7 * * 8945 9945 557 Surlyn 75 Surlyn 25 93.4 * * 89459945 558 Surlyn 50 Surlyn 50 93.8 * 60.7 8945 9945 559 Surlyn 25 Surlyn75 94.2 * * 8945 9945 560 Clarix 50 Surlyn 50 91.5 64.9 61.2 5152 9945561 Clarix 80 Surlyn 20 91.8 65.0 62.7 5152 9945 562 Clarix 65 Surlyn 3591.8 68.1 62.9 5152 9945 563 Surlyn 10 Surlyn 90 * * * 7940 9945 564Surlyn 30 Surlyn 70 90.8 66.0 58.4 7940 9945 565 Surlyn 65 Surlyn 3593.0 68.0 68.4 7940 9945 566 Clarix 10 Surlyn 90 90.6 65.6 * 5152 9945567 Clarix 30 Surlyn 70 91.7 66.4 * 5152 9945 568 Surlyn 35 Surlyn 35Fusabond 30 88.9 60.4 37.8 8150 AD8546 525D 569 Surlyn 37.5 Surlyn 37.5Fusabond 25 90.5 62.3 42.3 8150 AD8546 525D 570 Surlyn 40 Surlyn 40Fusabond 20 92.2 64.2 47.6 8150 AD8546 525D 571 Surlyn 97 Luzenac3 * * * 9650 HAR T-84 Talc 572 Surlyn 94 Luzenac 6 * * * 9650 HAR T-84Talc 573 Surlyn 91 Luzenac 9 * * * 9650 HAR T-84 Talc 574 Surlyn 88Luzenac 12 * * * 9650 HAR T-84 Talc 575 Surlyn 85 Luzenac 15 * * * 9650HAR T-84 Talc 576 Surlyn 90 Vestenamer 10 * * * 9945 8012 * not measured

TABLE 2 Example Melt flow Melt flow (from Table 1) 190° C. 2.16 kg 190°C. 5 kg 3 0.70 * 11 0.12 * 13 0.21 * 16 1.50 * 17 0.60 * 18 0.38 * 192.20 * 34 2.52 * 36 5.00 * 37 3.30 * 38 1.70 * 39 1.00 * 44 2.20 * 451.50 * 46 0.83 * 47 0.33 * 49 0.10 * 54 0.00 0.33 55 0.05 0.46 56 0.080.88 57 0.19 1.46 74 0.67 * 94 0.26 1.86 96 3.00 * 98 1.75 * 99 2.90 *110 3.50 * 111 3.50 * 112 3.30 * 117 2.50 * 118 2.50 * 119 1.90 * 1573.05 * 158 3.65 * 159 1.90 * 160 1.60 * 161 0.80 * 162 1.80 * 163 1.50 *164 1.00 * 165 2.40 * 166 1.70 * 167 1.20 * 180 3.10 * 181 2.30 * 1821.50 * 183 2.80 * 184 2.40 * 185 2.10 * 200 1.30 * 201 1.30 * 212 3.20 *213 2.10 * 214 1.50 * 215 1.00 * 216 1.10 * 217 0.71 * 218 0.23 * 2190.14 * 220 1.70 * 222 2.50 * 223 2.60 * 224 2.70 * 225 2.70 * 226 4.60 *227 2.50 * 232 1.40 * 261 0.88 * 263 1.04 * 286 1.30 * 287 0.51 * 2880.13 * 289 0.04 * 293 4.00 * 294 3.60 * 295 3.20 * 296 3.40 * 297 2.50 *303 1.46 * 304 1.29 * 305 0.55 * 306 0.92 * 307 0.55 * 310 2.51 * 3132.13 * 315 2.26 * 316 2.09 * 322 1.68 * 323 1.10 * 324 1.03 * 328 2.27 *330 1.40 * 332 1.41 * 334 1.20 * 335 1.20 * 336 0.89 * 337 0.89 * 3380.87 * 345 0.16 * 346 0.09 * 347 1.00 * 348 1.10 * 349 1.30 * 350 1.10 *351 0.96 * 352 1.00 * 353 0.09 * 354 0.09 * 355 1.00 * 364 1.00 * 3650.85 * 366 0.62 * 367 0.32 * 368 0.16 * 370 1.60 * 371 1.65 * 372 1.72 *373 1.84 * 374 1.40 * 375 1.00 * 376 0.64 * 377 0.24 * 378 1.10 * 3791.00 * 380 0.74 * 381 0.71 * 382 0.80 * 383 0.32 * 387 1.30 * 390 0.22 *392 0.42 * 502 0.86 * 503 0.77 * 505 1.02 * 506 0.81 * * not measured

The following polymer, additive, and filler materials were used in theabove examples:

Akroflock® CDV-2 dark cotton flock and Akroflock® ND-109 dark nylonflock, commercially available from Akrochem Corporation;

Aktiplast® PP combination of zinc salts of fatty acids, commerciallyavailable from Rhein Chemie;

Amplify® GR204 maleic anhydride grafted HDPE having a density of 0.953g/cm, Amplify® GR205 maleic anhydride grafted HDPE having a density of0.962 g/cm, Amplify® GR216 maleic anhydride grafted plastomer,commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company;

Clarix® 011370-01 ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, Clarix® 211702-01 andClarix® 2155 ethylene acrylic acid copolymers partially neutralized witha zinc cation; Clarix® 111704-01 ethylene acrylic acid copolymerpartially neutralized with a sodium cation; and Clarix® 5152 and Clarix®511705-01 ethylene acrylic acid copolymers partially neutralized with alithium cation, commercially available from A. Schulman, Inc.;

Cloisite® 20A, Cloisite® 30B, and Cloisite® 6A organoclays, commerciallyavailable from Southern Clay Products, Inc.;

DuPont® HPF 1000 and HPF 2000 ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers in whichthe acid groups have been highly neutralized with magnesium ions,commercially available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company;

Fusabond® 525D metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene, Fusabond® A560functionalized ethylene acrylate copolymer, Fusabond® C190 and Fusabond®C250 functionalized ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, Fusabond® E100and Fusabond® E528 anhydride modified HDPEs, Fusabond® M603 randomethylene copolymer, Fusabond® N416 chemically modified ethyleneelastomer, Fusabond® P353 and Fusabond® P613 functionalizedpolypropylenes, commercially available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours andCompany;

Iriodin® 211 Rutile Fine Red pearl luster pigment, commerciallyavailable from The Merck Group;

Kemamide® W-40 fatty bisamide(N,N′-ethylenebisstearamide), commerciallyavailable from Crompton Corporation;

Kraton® FG1901GT, Kraton® FG1924GT, and Kraton® RP6670GT linear triblockcopolymers based on styrene and ethylene/butylene, commerciallyavailable from Kraton Performance Polymers Inc.;

Lotader® 4210, Lotader® 4603, Lotader® 4700, and Lotader® 6200ethylene/acrylic ester/maleic anhydride random terpolymers, and Lotader®4720 and Lotader® 8200 ethylene/ethyl acrylate/maleic anhydride randomterpolymers, commercially available from Arkema Corporation;

Luzenac® HAR T-84 high aspect ratio talc, commercially available fromLuzenac America, Inc.;

NanoMax® 1.31PS and NanoMax® 1.44P nanoclays, commercially availablefrom Nanocor, Inc.;

Nucrel® 0609HS ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer made with 6.5 wt %acid, Nucrel® 0910HS ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer made with 9 wt% acid, Nucrel® 960 ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer made with 15 wt% acid, Nucrel® 1202HC highly crystalline ethylene methacrylic acidcopolymer made with 11.5 wt % acid, commercially available from E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company;

Polybond® 3009 maleic anhydride grafted HDPE, commercially availablefrom Chemtura Corporation;

Royaltuf® 485 maleic anhydride modified polyolefin based on asemi-crystalline EPDM, and Royaltuf® 498 maleic anhydride modifiedpolyolefin based on an amorphous EPDM, commercially available fromChemtura Corporation;

Surlyn® 7930 ethylene/methacrylic acid (E/MAA) copolymer in which theacid groups have been partially neutralized with lithium ions, Surlyn®7940 ethylene/methacrylic acid/acrylate terpolymer (15 wt % acid) inwhich the acid groups have been partially neutralized with lithium ions,Surlyn® 8150 E/MAA copolymer (19 wt % acid) in which the acid groupshave been partially neutralized with sodium ions, Suryln® 8320 very lowmodulus ethylene/methacrylic acid/acrylate terpolymer (9 wt % acid) inwhich the acid groups have been partially neutralized with sodium ions,Surlyn® 8528 E/MAA copolymer (10 wt % acid) in which the acid groupshave been partially neutralized with sodium ions, Surlyn® AD8546 E/MAAcopolymer (19 wt % acid) in which the acid groups have been partiallyneutralized with lithium ions, Surlyn® 8940 and Surlyn® 8945 E/MAAcopolymers (15 wt % acid) in which the acid groups have been partiallyneutralized with sodium ions; Surlyn® 9020 low modulusethylene/methacrylic acid/acrylate terpolymer (10 wt % acid) in whichthe acid groups have been partially neutralized with zinc ions, Surlyn®9120 E/MAA copolymer (19 wt % acid) in which the acid groups have beenpartially neutralized with zinc ions; Surlyn® 9320 very low modulusethylene/methacrylic acid/acrylate terpolymer (9 wt % acid) in which theacid groups have been partially neutralized with zinc ions, Surlyn® 9650E/MAA copolymer (11 wt % acid) in which the acid groups have beenpartially neutralized with zinc ions, Surlyn® 9910 and Surlyn® 9945E/MAA copolymers (15 wt % acid) in which the acid groups have beenpartially neutralized with zinc ions, commercially available from E.I.du Pont de Nemours and Company;

Vestenamer® 8012 high trans content polyoctenamer rubber, commerciallyavailable from Evonik Industries;

Microglass REF-600, commercially available from Microglass;

Muscovite Mica SG-90, commercially available from Georgia IndustrialMinerals, Inc.;

Suzorite Mica 200-PE, commercially available from Lintech InternationalLLC;

Raven® 2500 and Raven® 1170 carbon blacks, commercially available fromColumbian Chemicals Company; and

MPMA 500 mica-based pigment, commercially available from Mayan Pigments,Inc.

When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forthherein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may beused.

All patents, publications, test procedures, and other references citedherein, including priority documents, are fully incorporated byreference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with thisinvention and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation ispermitted.

While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been describedwith particularity, it will be understood that various othermodifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of theclaims appended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions setforth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassingall of the features of patentable novelty which reside in the presentinvention, including all features which would be treated as equivalentsthereof by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the inventionpertains.

1. A golf ball comprising: a core having an outer surface and ageometric center and being formed from a substantially homogeneousformulation; and a cover layer; wherein the difference between the ShoreC hardness of the outer surface of the core and the Shore C hardness ofthe center of the core is 8 or less; and wherein the cover layer isformed from a polymer blend composition having a JIS-C hardness (H) anda flexural modulus in ksi (M) wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+47.
 2. The golfball of claim 1, wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+48.
 3. The golf ball of claim 1,wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+49.
 4. A golf ball comprising: an inner corelayer having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formedfrom a first substantially homogeneous formulation; an outer core layerhaving an outer surface and an inner surface and being formed from asecond substantially homogeneous formulation; and a cover layer; whereinthe difference between the Shore C hardness of the outer surface of theinner core layer and the Shore C hardness of the center of the innercore layer is 8 or less; and wherein the cover layer is formed from apolymer blend composition having a JIS-C hardness (H) and a flexuralmodulus in ksi (M) wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+47.
 5. The golf ball of claim4, wherein the difference between the Shore C hardness of the outersurface of the outer core layer and the Shore C hardness of the innersurface of the outer core layer is 8 or less.
 6. The golf ball of claim4, wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+48.
 7. The golf ball of claim 4, whereinH≧11.889 Ln(M)+49.
 8. A golf ball comprising: a core having an outersurface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantiallyhomogeneous formulation; an intermediate layer; and a cover layer;wherein the difference between the Shore C hardness of the outer surfaceof the core and the Shore C hardness of the center of the core is 8 orless; and wherein the intermediate layer is formed from a polymer blendcomposition having a JIS-C hardness (H) and a flexural modulus in ksi(M) wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+47.
 9. The golf ball of claim 8, whereinH≧11.889 Ln(M)+48.
 10. The golf ball of claim 8, wherein H≧11.889Ln(M)+49.
 11. A golf ball comprising: an inner core layer having anouter surface and a geometric center and being formed from a firstsubstantially homogeneous formulation; an outer core layer having anouter surface and an inner surface and being formed from a secondsubstantially homogeneous formulation; an intermediate layer; and acover layer; wherein the difference between the Shore C hardness of theouter surface of the inner core layer and the Shore C hardness of thecenter of the inner core layer is 8 or less; and wherein theintermediate layer is formed from a polymer blend composition having aJIS-C hardness (H) and a flexural modulus in ksi (M) wherein H≧11.889Ln(M)+47.
 12. The golf ball of claim 11, wherein the difference betweenthe Shore C hardness of the outer surface of the outer core layer andthe Shore C hardness of the inner surface of the outer core layer is 8or less.
 13. The golf ball of claim 8, wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+48. 14.The golf ball of claim 8, wherein H≧11.889 Ln(M)+49.